There is a way to stop British families freezing this winter – just look at Belgium | Carl Packman

Since 2002, eligible households have been shielded from price fluctuations in the energy market. People don't have to struggle

Britain is facing a cost of living crisis on multiple fronts - and has been for some time. Research conducted a year ago showed households were already feeling the pinch as the cost of everyday essentials steadily climbed alongside their energy bills, with the poorest households disproportionately affected.

Twelve months on, and we are still waiting for a long-term, sustainable solution to tackle this poverty premium - the extra cost of being poor. Millions of the poorest households have since slipped into fuel poverty, meaning they sacrifice more than 10% of their income to energy costs. In a cruel irony, those on universal credit are four times as likely to be using a prepayment meter to pay for energy - among the most expensive ways to pay for fuel.

Carl Packman is head of corporate engagement for the Fair by Design campaign