Rachel Reeves is facing mounting pressure to introduce urgent support measures for vulnerable households as energy bills are expected to rise sharply again this winter. Ofgem has announced a 13% increase in the energy price cap from July, pushing average annual household bills to £1,862, with analysts forecasting further rises by October. Experts say ongoing instability in global energy markets, fuelled in part by conflict involving Iran and the wider Middle East, is keeping wholesale gas prices high and undermining market confidence. Anti-poverty groups, economists, and consumer organisations are warning that pensioners and low-income families face growing debt and hardship if support is delayed until autumn. Calls are increasing for targeted assistance, including energy debt relief schemes and temporary financial help for struggling households. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has so far resisted broader intervention, preferring more focused support measures. Ministers insist they are balancing compassion with responsible public spending, while critics argue that urgent action is needed before colder weather returns and heating demand increases significantly across the UK.