A MILLION households who miss out on the Government’s £200 energy discount will still get charged as if they had received it, Labour claims.
Those moving into the housing market for the first time next year, for example, will not have got the reduction but regardless will pay an extra £40 annually for five years.
All homes in October will automatically have their electricity bill reduced by £200, with a repayment levy spread over future statements.
Ministers have been warned the outcome will be a total of £112million charged to people who did not get the discount.
Labour blasted the “shoddily designed” plan, which they branded a “buy now, pay later” loan scheme.
Pat McFadden, shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “The Government’s proposals will leave families paying hundreds of pounds more as a result of the breath-taking rise in energy prices.
“Labour would keep bills low with a windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas producers.
“Our plan would cut £200 off most bills from April — with £600 to those households who need it most.”
The Treasury insisted: “The energy bills reduction will help people manage the increase by spreading the cost.”
