The chief executive of National Energy Action (NEA) and the chief executive officer of the Chartered Institute for Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) have this week reacted to the government’s announcement of a cut in National Insurance.
Adam Scorer, chief executive of NEA, said: “In less than four weeks nearly all energy crisis support comes to an end, with the Household Support Fund only continuing for another six months. But today the Budget has done almost nothing to help fuel poor households. Energy prices may be reducing but bills will remain almost 50% higher than pre-crisis levels.
“Cost-of-living payments and energy crisis rebates are a thing of the past and six million households across the UK will suffer in fuel poverty, struggling to stay warm at home.”
Kevin Wellman, pictured, chief executive officer at the Chartered Institute for Plumbing and Heating, added: “Many will be pleased to hear the government’s announcement of a cut to National Insurance today. However, these cuts do not go far enough.
“The rising cost of fuel and materials has created the perfect storm for many plumbers and installers, in particular sole traders who have struggled to successfully pass on rising costs due to customers struggling themselves, and even disputing payment. In the heating and plumbing industry, installers have no choice but to make hefty upfront payments for products, such as boilers, meaning they are constantly being left out of pocket.
“This has had a major impact on cash flow, affecting profits and take-home pay. While there are services that can support plumbers in requesting the money they are owed, this can be a timely and costly matter.
“The government talks of a positive ‘Payment Culture’ but it needs to put its money where its mouth and ensure that consumers can have the work done that they need without plumbing and heating professionals footing the bill.”