Tax banks to give some households energy bill cut, unions tell Burnham

By Iain Watson Political correspondent Published 8 minutes ago The leader of Britain's trade unionists has told Andy Burnham the government should introduce a "social tariff", paid for by a bank surcharge, to help low and middle earners with their energy bills.

A social tariff is a discount on bills based on household income, and the TUC says it believes two-thirds of households could benefit.

The TUC says the bank surcharge, which was reduced in 2023 from 8% to 3% by the then Conservative government, should be reversed - and estimates it would raise £9bn over four years.

TUC leader Paul Nowak said: "I think it will appeal to the prime minister. These are policies that make a difference in the real world and people can see a value in them."