Alex Belsham-Harrris
@alexbelsham-harris.bsky.social
Head of Energy Consumer Markets at Citizens Advice
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
"Scrapping the two-child limit and addressing high energy bills will prevent hundreds of thousands of children from growing up in poverty and help households across the country keep the lights on."
Our CEO responds to today's Autumn Budget ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4pDEOzb
Our CEO responds to today's Autumn Budget ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4pDEOzb
November 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
"Scrapping the two-child limit and addressing high energy bills will prevent hundreds of thousands of children from growing up in poverty and help households across the country keep the lights on."
Our CEO responds to today's Autumn Budget ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4pDEOzb
Our CEO responds to today's Autumn Budget ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4pDEOzb
Great to see energy bills cut by average £150 in the budget - with the focus rightly on tackling the disproportionate cost of electricity. This should make it easier for people to benefit from clean power, and support people on electric heating, who are often in the deepest fuel poverty 1/2
November 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Great to see energy bills cut by average £150 in the budget - with the focus rightly on tackling the disproportionate cost of electricity. This should make it easier for people to benefit from clean power, and support people on electric heating, who are often in the deepest fuel poverty 1/2
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
Whatever else this government do (and there's plenty of issues with this budget) ministers will always be able to point to this as an incredible important contribution to the country's future. Almost half a million kids taken out of poverty.
Scrapping the two-child limit in full is a monumental decision. Well done to all involved in the Child Poverty Strategy, and everyone who has made the case against the policy.
OBR says scrapping costs £3 billion in 2029-30 and will lift 450,000 out of poverty
OBR says scrapping costs £3 billion in 2029-30 and will lift 450,000 out of poverty
November 26, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Whatever else this government do (and there's plenty of issues with this budget) ministers will always be able to point to this as an incredible important contribution to the country's future. Almost half a million kids taken out of poverty.
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
There’s some very bad news hidden in the Ofgem price cap for January announced yesterday: the electricity to gas price ratio has jumped to 4.67, its highest level since before the energy crisis.
This is a big barrier to households adopting heat pumps in Britain, and threatens our climate goals
This is a big barrier to households adopting heat pumps in Britain, and threatens our climate goals
November 22, 2025 at 7:51 AM
There’s some very bad news hidden in the Ofgem price cap for January announced yesterday: the electricity to gas price ratio has jumped to 4.67, its highest level since before the energy crisis.
This is a big barrier to households adopting heat pumps in Britain, and threatens our climate goals
This is a big barrier to households adopting heat pumps in Britain, and threatens our climate goals
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
⚡ First findings are in:
🚗 1 in 5 new cars sold is electric
🌞 1.8M homes have solar - on track for 9M by 2030
💬 Just 3% of EV owners would go back to petrol/diesel
🔥 Heat pumps? Still way off target - 59k installed vs 600k/yr goal
🚗 1 in 5 new cars sold is electric
🌞 1.8M homes have solar - on track for 9M by 2030
💬 Just 3% of EV owners would go back to petrol/diesel
🔥 Heat pumps? Still way off target - 59k installed vs 600k/yr goal
September 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
⚡ First findings are in:
🚗 1 in 5 new cars sold is electric
🌞 1.8M homes have solar - on track for 9M by 2030
💬 Just 3% of EV owners would go back to petrol/diesel
🔥 Heat pumps? Still way off target - 59k installed vs 600k/yr goal
🚗 1 in 5 new cars sold is electric
🌞 1.8M homes have solar - on track for 9M by 2030
💬 Just 3% of EV owners would go back to petrol/diesel
🔥 Heat pumps? Still way off target - 59k installed vs 600k/yr goal
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
Is removing VAT the best way to cut energy bills?
Our new blog looks at the alternatives, from targeting electricity to a one-off debt forgiveness scheme. Is there a better way to spend £2.5 billion?
⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
Our new blog looks at the alternatives, from targeting electricity to a one-off debt forgiveness scheme. Is there a better way to spend £2.5 billion?
⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
Is removing VAT really the best way to cut energy bills?
Targeting electricity bills, subsidising bill-funded schemes, or a one-off debt forgiveness program offer more effective, fair, and sustainable solutions
www.nesta.org.uk
September 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Is removing VAT the best way to cut energy bills?
Our new blog looks at the alternatives, from targeting electricity to a one-off debt forgiveness scheme. Is there a better way to spend £2.5 billion?
⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
Our new blog looks at the alternatives, from targeting electricity to a one-off debt forgiveness scheme. Is there a better way to spend £2.5 billion?
⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
The challenge of energy affordability is very real, but rising block tariffs aren’t the answer. People on low incomes with poorly insulated homes or who need more energy for health reasons could see rising bills, while those with multiple homes or can install solar panels avoid paying a fair share
Ed Miliband has been urged by more than 100 Labour MPs to explore overhauling UK energy bills.
He is understood to be considering a number of options for progressive energy pricing, inc discounts for the least intensive consumers – known as rising block tariffs
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
He is understood to be considering a number of options for progressive energy pricing, inc discounts for the least intensive consumers – known as rising block tariffs
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
More than 100 Labour MPs urge Ed Miliband to explore radical energy bills overhaul
Living Standards Coalition writes to energy secretary calling on him to do more to help struggling households
www.theguardian.com
July 22, 2025 at 11:49 AM
The challenge of energy affordability is very real, but rising block tariffs aren’t the answer. People on low incomes with poorly insulated homes or who need more energy for health reasons could see rising bills, while those with multiple homes or can install solar panels avoid paying a fair share
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
New paper from Citizens Advice on how to deliver tangible growth - which puts money in people’s pockets - in consumer markets.
TLDR: Consumer confidence is key & slashing hard won consumer protections without adequate safeguards isn’t the answer.
TLDR: Consumer confidence is key & slashing hard won consumer protections without adequate safeguards isn’t the answer.
How to deliver tangible growth in consumer markets
UK households need tangible economic growth which puts money in their pocket. Consumer confidence is critical - cutting consumer protection is not the answer
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
July 14, 2025 at 8:14 AM
New paper from Citizens Advice on how to deliver tangible growth - which puts money in people’s pockets - in consumer markets.
TLDR: Consumer confidence is key & slashing hard won consumer protections without adequate safeguards isn’t the answer.
TLDR: Consumer confidence is key & slashing hard won consumer protections without adequate safeguards isn’t the answer.
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
Heat network customers are being hit with high prices, unfair billing and aggressive debt collection practices banned across most of the energy industry.
As the official consumer champion for heat networks we interviewed 50 people on heat networks from across the country.
Here’s what we found… 🧵
As the official consumer champion for heat networks we interviewed 50 people on heat networks from across the country.
Here’s what we found… 🧵
July 7, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Heat network customers are being hit with high prices, unfair billing and aggressive debt collection practices banned across most of the energy industry.
As the official consumer champion for heat networks we interviewed 50 people on heat networks from across the country.
Here’s what we found… 🧵
As the official consumer champion for heat networks we interviewed 50 people on heat networks from across the country.
Here’s what we found… 🧵
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
A blog by @lauralhutch.bsky.social & me, pulling together some of the strands from recent work by our colleagues @craigpberry.bsky.social @julia-rt.bsky.social and @maddyirose.bsky.social. Link here - it’s an 8 minute read apparently wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/short-sighte... (1/6)
Short sighted policy making: Why does history keep repeating itself?
This government, like many before them, is offering extreme prescriptions before being certain of the diagnosis.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
June 10, 2025 at 3:26 PM
A blog by @lauralhutch.bsky.social & me, pulling together some of the strands from recent work by our colleagues @craigpberry.bsky.social @julia-rt.bsky.social and @maddyirose.bsky.social. Link here - it’s an 8 minute read apparently wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/short-sighte... (1/6)
A targeted exemption from energy bill levies does nothing to help millions of people with traditional electric heating, who are often in the deepest fuel poverty. They also face barriers to switching to heat pumps as they’re more likely to be in flats and rent their homes (1/2)
Rebalancing so-called green levies is one of the most important policy levers to drive electrification.
UK government is considering options—including exempting those who switch from fossil fuels to electricity from levies or taxes.
Good idea?
Read this 🧵
UK government is considering options—including exempting those who switch from fossil fuels to electricity from levies or taxes.
Good idea?
Read this 🧵
June 5, 2025 at 8:10 AM
A targeted exemption from energy bill levies does nothing to help millions of people with traditional electric heating, who are often in the deepest fuel poverty. They also face barriers to switching to heat pumps as they’re more likely to be in flats and rent their homes (1/2)
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
Eileen spoke on BBC Breakfast this morning at the help she got from Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove when she was struggling to pay her energy bills.
Watch back on BBC iplayer (40 mins in) ⤵️
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Watch back on BBC iplayer (40 mins in) ⤵️
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Breakfast - 12/05/2025
The latest news, sport, business and weather from the BBC's Breakfast team.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 12, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Eileen spoke on BBC Breakfast this morning at the help she got from Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove when she was struggling to pay her energy bills.
Watch back on BBC iplayer (40 mins in) ⤵️
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Watch back on BBC iplayer (40 mins in) ⤵️
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
If you’re struggling to pay your heat network bills, you should:
✔️ Check if there are ways to save money on your bills
✔️ Check if your bill is correct
✔️ Contact the company or person you pay your bills to and discuss ways to pay what you owe
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/4jLcF6H
✔️ Check if there are ways to save money on your bills
✔️ Check if your bill is correct
✔️ Contact the company or person you pay your bills to and discuss ways to pay what you owe
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/4jLcF6H
May 8, 2025 at 9:57 AM
If you’re struggling to pay your heat network bills, you should:
✔️ Check if there are ways to save money on your bills
✔️ Check if your bill is correct
✔️ Contact the company or person you pay your bills to and discuss ways to pay what you owe
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/4jLcF6H
✔️ Check if there are ways to save money on your bills
✔️ Check if your bill is correct
✔️ Contact the company or person you pay your bills to and discuss ways to pay what you owe
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/4jLcF6H
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
Important (and excellent) paper from @julia-rt.bsky.social for @citizensadvice.bsky.social on the Household Support Fund and what crisis support should look like in the future
1️⃣ we're in the 7th cycle of the Household Support Fund
2️⃣ its future is still uncertain
3️⃣ and we still see record demand for crisis support
... so what should come next?
New Citizens Advice paper on the future of crisis support + how to realise an approach that’s more than a sticking plaster🩹👇
2️⃣ its future is still uncertain
3️⃣ and we still see record demand for crisis support
... so what should come next?
New Citizens Advice paper on the future of crisis support + how to realise an approach that’s more than a sticking plaster🩹👇
The future of crisis support: a discussion paper
The future of crisis support: a discussion paper - paper by Julia Ruddick-Trentmann on the future of crisis support and the Household Support Fund
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
May 2, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Important (and excellent) paper from @julia-rt.bsky.social for @citizensadvice.bsky.social on the Household Support Fund and what crisis support should look like in the future
Awful news for struggling households today that the price cap will rise by over £100 from April - as new research by Citizens Advice shows almost 7 million people now live in households affected by energy debt. It’s welcome that the govt has brought forward proposals to tackle these issues 1/2
side.to
February 25, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Awful news for struggling households today that the price cap will rise by over £100 from April - as new research by Citizens Advice shows almost 7 million people now live in households affected by energy debt. It’s welcome that the govt has brought forward proposals to tackle these issues 1/2
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
If this sort of mitigation is going to be needed, you have to question whether the reform is a good idea.
Screenshot via @utilityweek.
Screenshot via @utilityweek.
February 21, 2025 at 10:55 AM
If this sort of mitigation is going to be needed, you have to question whether the reform is a good idea.
Screenshot via @utilityweek.
Screenshot via @utilityweek.
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
Every little change Ofgem makes, every failure to properly manage the price control framework 'only adds a few pounds to bills'. No-one is responsible for adding up all the 'few pounds' Ofgem's failures add on. This glib statement encapsulates all that is wrong with the regulator. Change is needed.
February 20, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Every little change Ofgem makes, every failure to properly manage the price control framework 'only adds a few pounds to bills'. No-one is responsible for adding up all the 'few pounds' Ofgem's failures add on. This glib statement encapsulates all that is wrong with the regulator. Change is needed.
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
Will Johnstone, Principal Policy Manager at @citizensadvice.bsky.social says their modelling shows 5 million people are in a negative budget, while 2.35 million are living on empty. #FuelPovertyConf
January 28, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Will Johnstone, Principal Policy Manager at @citizensadvice.bsky.social says their modelling shows 5 million people are in a negative budget, while 2.35 million are living on empty. #FuelPovertyConf
🚨 last few days to apply for this unique role leading @citizensadvice.bsky.social work on the retail energy market, tackling issues like affordability, service standards and innovation on the journey to clean power - reach out if interested! www.linkedin.com/posts/alex-b...
Alex Belsham-Harris on LinkedIn: Principal Policy Manager - Energy Retail Markets:Blended between office…
🆕 Looking for a unique challenge in 2025? Join Citizens Advice to lead our work on the energy retail market!
📢 Leading a large policy team and acting as a…
www.linkedin.com
January 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM
🚨 last few days to apply for this unique role leading @citizensadvice.bsky.social work on the retail energy market, tackling issues like affordability, service standards and innovation on the journey to clean power - reach out if interested! www.linkedin.com/posts/alex-b...
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
"Consumers simply can’t afford to pick up the tab when something goes wrong, and the onus shouldn’t be on them to make up for companies’ billing errors"
- @alexbelsham-harris.bsky.social
Read more ⤵️
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/j...
- @alexbelsham-harris.bsky.social
Read more ⤵️
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/j...
Number of people seeking help with energy bills up by 20% last year
Citizens Advice says it assisted 60,000 households in England and Wales with cost of gas and electricity in 2024
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2025 at 9:55 AM
"Consumers simply can’t afford to pick up the tab when something goes wrong, and the onus shouldn’t be on them to make up for companies’ billing errors"
- @alexbelsham-harris.bsky.social
Read more ⤵️
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/j...
- @alexbelsham-harris.bsky.social
Read more ⤵️
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/j...
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
Do you want to be more financially savvy in 2025?
Check out our top tips ⤵️
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/how-to-be-fi...
Check out our top tips ⤵️
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/how-to-be-fi...
How to be financially savvy in 2025
Black Friday, the festive season and Boxing Day sales can leave you entering the new year feeling financially a bit worse for wear… but it…
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
January 6, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Do you want to be more financially savvy in 2025?
Check out our top tips ⤵️
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/how-to-be-fi...
Check out our top tips ⤵️
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/how-to-be-fi...
After Ofgem opened Pandora's box with its review of standing charges, they've decided against the worst options, which pushed up costs for people on low incomes with high energy needs. Its new proposals offer more choice - but doing this via the price cap may add complexity for little benefit (1/3)
We are proposing suppliers introduce zero standing charge tariffs
Follow the link for more on how we plan to mandate suppliers to offer zero standing charge tariffs alongside the price cap as well as reforms to reduce energy debts for next winter www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications...
Follow the link for more on how we plan to mandate suppliers to offer zero standing charge tariffs alongside the price cap as well as reforms to reduce energy debts for next winter www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications...
December 12, 2024 at 11:55 AM
After Ofgem opened Pandora's box with its review of standing charges, they've decided against the worst options, which pushed up costs for people on low incomes with high energy needs. Its new proposals offer more choice - but doing this via the price cap may add complexity for little benefit (1/3)
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
Throughout the general election @citizensadvice.bsky.social
repeatedly said the number 1 issue was living standards. Pleased this is now recognised in govt milestones.
In June 2019, our average debt client had £20 left after essentials. Now, on average, they're in the red every month.
repeatedly said the number 1 issue was living standards. Pleased this is now recognised in govt milestones.
In June 2019, our average debt client had £20 left after essentials. Now, on average, they're in the red every month.
December 5, 2024 at 12:02 PM
Throughout the general election @citizensadvice.bsky.social
repeatedly said the number 1 issue was living standards. Pleased this is now recognised in govt milestones.
In June 2019, our average debt client had £20 left after essentials. Now, on average, they're in the red every month.
repeatedly said the number 1 issue was living standards. Pleased this is now recognised in govt milestones.
In June 2019, our average debt client had £20 left after essentials. Now, on average, they're in the red every month.
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
OK, time for a proper thread on levies on energy bills, based on our report out today.
Topline: the levies are unfair, and a huge barrier to reaching net zero. To reform them, we should rebalance levies on to gas while targeting support to low income households.
www.nesta.org.uk/report/cheap...
Topline: the levies are unfair, and a huge barrier to reaching net zero. To reform them, we should rebalance levies on to gas while targeting support to low income households.
www.nesta.org.uk/report/cheap...
December 4, 2024 at 11:01 AM
OK, time for a proper thread on levies on energy bills, based on our report out today.
Topline: the levies are unfair, and a huge barrier to reaching net zero. To reform them, we should rebalance levies on to gas while targeting support to low income households.
www.nesta.org.uk/report/cheap...
Topline: the levies are unfair, and a huge barrier to reaching net zero. To reform them, we should rebalance levies on to gas while targeting support to low income households.
www.nesta.org.uk/report/cheap...
Reposted by Alex Belsham-Harrris
We spoke to three people who are struggling to pay their energy bills. Millions across the UK share these struggles of being in fuel debt and feeling afraid to receive an energy bill: buff.ly/4g75cga
#FuelPovertyAwarenessDay
#FuelPovertyAwarenessDay
Voices from the frontline: Elisha, Raymond and Patricia on impossible energy bills
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
buff.ly
November 27, 2024 at 7:41 AM
We spoke to three people who are struggling to pay their energy bills. Millions across the UK share these struggles of being in fuel debt and feeling afraid to receive an energy bill: buff.ly/4g75cga
#FuelPovertyAwarenessDay
#FuelPovertyAwarenessDay