Cheaper chocolate and free buses amid looming bill hike

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled a new “Great British Summer Savings” package as experts warn household energy bills could rocket by another £209 a year within weeks.

Under the plans, children aged five to 15 will get free bus travel across England throughout August – while shoppers could also see lower prices on everyday treats including chocolate, biscuits, dried fruit and nuts.

The move comes as millions brace for another painful rise in household costs linked to the escalating Iran conflict.

Energy analysts at Cornwall Insight now predict the energy price cap could jump from £1,641 to around £1,850 from July after global oil and gas prices surged.

And experts are already warning the real crunch could come later this year when colder weather returns and households start using more energy again.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We know many hard-working families are still feeling the squeeze.”

He added that free bus travel and cheaper food imports would help put “money back into people’s pockets”.

The Government is cutting tariffs on more than 100 imported products in a bid to lower prices in supermarkets.

Officials believe the changes could save consumers more than £150 million a year.

But while families may welcome cheaper shopping and summer travel help, ministers stopped short of announcing direct support for rising energy bills – despite growing concern over what could happen this autumn.

Reeves said: “My number one priority is protecting households from rising costs.”

She added: “As the war in Iran pushes prices up at home, my economic plan is the right one.”

The Chancellor is also expected to abandon plans for a fuel duty rise later this year as ministers try to prevent further pressure on motorists.

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The latest intervention comes after inflation unexpectedly fell to 2.8% in April, helped by lower energy prices earlier this spring.

But economists warn that relief may only be temporary.

The next energy price cap announcement from Ofgem is due on May 27 – and millions of households are anxiously waiting to see how much more they may have to pay.