Power firms 'should give elderly customers a £50 rebate', say charities

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Energy suppliers have come under pressure to give elderly customers a £50 rebate.

The plan, outlined by the charities Age Concern and Help The Aged, would cost the industry £50million.

Under the proposals, vulnerable customers would receive a £50 voucher to be added to the winter fuel payment that the Government makes to pensioners.

Gordon Lishman, of Age Concern, said: 'If the energy companies really care about their most vulnerable customers, they should join forces to maximise the help available to poor pensioners this winter.

'£50 is by no means enough, but it would at least offer some comfort to millions of pensioners facing a bleak winter.'

Energy bills have risen by more than 15 per cent this year with further rises of 40 per cent threatened. T

he six main power firms, which are accused of rigging the market, are being investigated by MPs on the Business and Enterprise committee.