British households told to ‘look at’ energy use as prices soar by more than 80 per cent

British households need to look at how they are using energy, the Chancellor suggested amid calls for urgent government intervention to tackle soaring bills.

It comes as outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson predicted a “tough” few months ahead – but promised energy prices will eventually come down amid grim predictions about the impact the 80.06 per cent rise in the price cap will have on millions of the poorest households across the UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi, who is likely to be out of a job in the coming days if Liz Truss beats her rival to become leader, stressed on Friday that the government is not paralysed by the leadership contest and is focused on preparing options for whichever candidate emerges as the winner.

The Tory party, as the governing Conservatives are known, is in the process of selecting a new leader, expected to be announced in early September.

The chancellor told broadcasters help from the government is coming, but admitted: “We know that’s not enough. We’ve got to do more.

“We need to make sure that this isn’t a sticking plaster, that for the long term we continue to help the most vulnerable who have no cushion, and that’s what I’m determined to do.

“And we’re working up those options for both households and for business for the incoming prime minister on September 5 to take those decisions.