A diverse coalition of over 120 organizations, including major trade bodies like the CBI, Energy UK, and advocacy groups such as Age UK and End Fuel Poverty, has formally requested that the Chancellor remove specific charges from energy bills. These charges, often referred to by the coalition as “hidden taxes,” currently account for approximately 10% of total energy costs. The signatories argue that these levies, which fund various government policy initiatives and renewable energy projects, place an undue burden on households and businesses during a period of economic strain.

The letter, sent ahead of Chancellor John Healey’s first budget scheduled for October 28, proposes that the government should absorb these costs directly rather than passing them on to energy consumers. Proponents of the change suggest that removing these levies would provide immediate relief to struggling families and help prevent further business insolvencies. While the coalition emphasizes the necessity of the underlying policy goals—such as the transition to renewable energy—they contend that the current funding mechanism is unsustainable for the end-user. The government has not yet issued a formal response to the proposal, leaving the future of these levies uncertain as the budget deadline approaches.