Budget 2026: Energy bill support welcomed, but housing support freeze leaves families struggling

The Government’s Budget, announced today, includes measures to help households with energy bills. However, the decision to keep housing support frozen means many people on low incomes will continue to face difficult choices between paying their rent and buying food.

The Budget includes a £100 Household Energy Payment for eligible households in council tax bands A to D in England in 2027, alongside an extension of the temporary VAT cut on electricity bills. These measures could provide some welcome relief, but they do not address every pressure facing families struggling to afford the essentials.

Rising rents, but housing support remains frozen

Despite rising rents, the government has chosen not to end the freeze on housing support in today’s Budget.

For years, rents have continued to rise, but support hasn’t. As a result, too many people are being forced to decide between paying the rent and putting food on the table.

While the government’s decision to provide more support with energy bills is positive, keeping housing support frozen means many will still struggle to afford the essentials.

The government wants to end the need for emergency food. It won’t achieve that while housing support remains frozen.

The impact on foodbanks

When rent takes up an increasing share of a household’s income, there is often less money left for food, heating and other essential costs. For people already living on tight budgets, even a small unexpected expense can push them into crisis.

Foodbanks provide vital emergency support, but they cannot solve the underlying financial pressures that leave people unable to afford the basics. Preventing food poverty means ensuring that people have enough money to cover essential living costs, including housing.

At Hart Foodbank and Community Pantry, we believe everyone should be able to afford food with dignity, without having to choose between feeding their family and keeping a roof over their heads.

Helping people with energy bills is a positive step, but lasting progress in tackling food poverty must also address the cost of housing and ensure support keeps pace with rising rents. 💚

Back to News