Conservative Party members have cautioned Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham against implementing a costly energy subsidy targeted at low-income households this winter, amid a backdrop of rising household energy costs. The warning comes as the price cap on energy bills in the UK increased by 4 percent, bringing the average dual fuel bill to £1,723, according to industry regulator Ofgem.

Kemi Badenoch, a senior Tory figure, highlighted the growing pressure on Burnham from within the Labour Party to provide additional financial support to welfare recipients to mitigate the impact of soaring energy prices. Badenoch criticized the proposed interventions as insufficient, advocating instead for a policy shift toward greater domestic energy production. She urged the UK government to expand oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, using the resulting tax revenues to help lower consumer energy bills. Additionally, Badenoch called for the removal of levies and subsidies linked to the Net Zero agenda, which she argued are contributing to higher energy costs.

“We need to return to common sense on energy,” Badenoch said, signaling her belief that an early general election could be called next year despite prior commitments to the contrary.

The Conservative criticism coincides with calls from trade unions for Burnham to implement a “social tariff” aimed at reducing energy prices for the most economically vulnerable households. The Trades Union Congress has pressed the Greater Manchester mayor to take steps to ease financial pressures on low-income consumers, reflecting broader concerns over affordability amid the ongoing energy crisis. Shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie echoed this view but framed the calls for expanded subsidies as driven by left-wing political voices, warning against what he described as an escalating demand for a “Benefits Street bailout.”

The debate underscores the partisan divide over how best to address the rising cost of living and energy insecurity in the UK. While Labour figures emphasize direct support for those struggling to pay their bills, Conservative officials emphasize energy independence and reducing regulatory costs as more sustainable solutions. As winter approaches, the issue remains a critical and contentious aspect of the country’s broader economic challenges.