The Eye Of Media

By James Simons-

Martin Lewis has branded Liz Truss’ “broken government” a “farce”.

The Money Saving Expert said the current situation the Government found itself in was “bad for the country, the people and for politics”.

AD: Capeesh Restaurant

Mr Lewis’ comments come after Ms Truss said she was “completely committed” to the triple lock on state pensions at Prime Minister’s Questions, the day after Downing Street indicated it could be ditched.

The Prime Minister told MPs on Wednesday that she and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will be increasing pensions in line with inflation, which currently stands at more than 10%.

AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar

Ministers were considering ditching the manifesto promise due to the squeeze on the public finances in the wake of the mini-budget fiasco.

Ms Truss faced a fresh wave of anger after No 10 said the policy was under review and her new Chancellor failed to commit to it as he seeks to plug a multibillion-pound black hole.

But she told Prime Minister’s Questions: “We’ve been clear in our manifesto that we will maintain the triple lock and I’m completely committed to it – so is the Chancellor.”

However, Martin Lewis said there was “little confidence” that they will or can stick to the commitment.

Mr Lewis said: “Government has become a farce. It’s bad for the country, the people and for politics.

“We heard yesterday that the pension triple lock would be maintained.

“Yet there is little confidence that Government will or even can stick to what it says.

“This can’t go on. It’s broken government.

“I try to avoid party politics. This isn’t about party. It is about confidence in government and our political system

Martin Lewis has branded Liz Truss’ “broken government” a “farce”.

The Money Saving Expert said the current situation the Government found itself in was “bad for the country, the people and for politics”.

The Prime Minister told MPs on Wednesday that she and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will be increasing pensions in line with inflation, which currently stands at more than 10%

Ministers were considering ditching the manifesto promise due to the squeeze on the public finances in the wake of the mini-budget fiasco.

Ms Truss faced a fresh wave of anger after No 10 said the policy was under review and her new Chancellor failed to commit to it as he seeks to plug a multibillion-pound black hole.

But she told Prime Minister’s Questions: “We’ve been clear in our manifesto that we will maintain the triple lock and I’m completely committed to it – so is the Chancellor.”

However, Martin Lewis said there was “little confidence” that they will or can stick to the commitment.

Mr Lewis said: “Government has become a farce. It’s bad for the country, the people and for politics.

“We heard yesterday that the pension triple lock would be maintained.

“Yet there is little confidence that Government will or even can stick to what it says.

“This can’t go on. It’s broken government.

“I try to avoid party politics. This isn’t about party. It is about confidence in government and our political system.

The financial guru devoted the first part of the programme to the current energy crisis that Britons are face with – following on from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s slashing of the originally two year energy price promise to a mere six months.

The guarantee of a £2,500 limit, which replaced Ofgem’s price cap, stopped bills from soaring by some £1,971 to a predicted £6,000 this winter. But Martin told viewers of the show that early forecasts from industry analysts at Cornwall Insight suggest that the UK will face a 73% hike in energy prices from April, to an estimated £4,350that with that bombshell, the finance man has issued another to British Gas and EDF customers in particular with regards to their Direct Debits payments. Martin went on to explain that these two firms only review payments bi-annually, linked to when customers joined.

This means that they could be faced with a substantial rise in their payments next year.

Martin warned: “Direct Debits are currently being assessed by some firms on the back of that 27% rise to the energy price guarantee [£2,500], all the major firms are doing it, but there are two I want to point out though. British Gas and EDF, big firms there.

“If you’re a customer of one of those firms, unlike the others, they don’t recalculate your Direct Debit when there’s a price move. They just do it at two points in the year – normally the sixth month and one year anniversary of when you joined – which means you may stay on your current Direct Debit for the next few months even though the rate you’re being charged is higher

“That means when they do alter your Direct Debit, the increase is likely to be much bigger because you’ve got to catch up.”

Fear not however, as the MoneySavingExpert.com founder offered a viable solution, which could in turn help level off payments and prevent a sharp rise upon DD renewal. He said: “In that case, you may want to go online and ask your supplier to increase your Direct Debit now so you’re not going to be hit by that bigger bill shock later.”

Martin also shared checks people can make if your monthly Direct Debit goes up after a pensioner named Yvonne contacted the show about a huge leap in her monthly payments.

Yvonne, said: “I have just received my new monthly Direct Debit from my energy provider and it has gone from £49 per month to £123 for September and then £181 from October 28th. I am in credit of £200, is this correct, as this will be one week’s pension money.”

Martin explained that most people can expect their bills to double this winter, as energy prices have doubled since last year and that was expected to happen. However, he said there are three checks to make before contacting your energy supplier and asking them to review the amount you are expected to pay.

AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar

Spread the news