Energy prices to soar again as Jeremy Hunt rejects pleas to halt rise

Millions will see costs mount by another 40% in April as rebate scheme ends and chancellor lets cap go up to 3,000

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has rejected calls to prevent sharp rises in domestic energy bills for all households in his March budget - meaning millions of users will see costs soar by about 40% from April.

Instead, Hunt will emphasise the extra support he is giving to the poorest and most vulnerable households, including those on benefits, in what he will describe as a more fairly targeted system of support.