Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn. A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment.
Critics argue the measures do not go far enough to address the underlying pressures. The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn.
The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. Industry bodies have broadly welcomed the direction while warning about implementation costs.
A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began. Critics argue the measures do not go far enough to address the underlying pressures.
Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment. A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. Industry bodies have broadly welcomed the direction while warning about implementation costs. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic.
