THE outcry from charities and pensioner groups, and now from financial guru Martin Lewis, regarding Ofgem’s increase to the “energy price cap” is certainly justified. It is also justified because this is a hammer blow to those who once depended on their winter fuel payment, taken away from them by a Labour government.

The UK's energy security secretary, Ed Miliband MP, claims “the price cap was going up because the UK does not have control over its own power”. Mr Miliband, tell that to the pensioner living in the energy capital of Europe, Scotland, tell that to the pensioner wondering if they should eat or heat tonight.

READ MORE: UK energy bills to rise this winter as Ofgem lifts price cap

Ofgem is not controlled by a ministerial remit at Westminster, however it is answerable to parliament at Westminster, and Westminster controls energy policy because it is reserved; Scotland has no control over energy costs.

Mr Miliband, from your response and the actions of the Chancellor, when can we expect the new Labour government’s promise of “change”? We are talking about life-saving policy for millions.

Catriona C Clark
Falkirk