Death due to rising energy costs

[energycrisis]

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/first-picture-frank-burton-91-23567930

I find this disgusting and needed to share here, this happened 20 minutes up the road from me.

A 91-year-old man has died in a gas explosion at his home.

Cadent have today released a statement saying the mains gas in this man's home and the area is 'sound'.

The man's family have come forward to explain he was so worried about rising energy cost that he purchased extra heaters for his home and this is likely where the explosion has come from.

AIBU that this should not be happening?

I am not really sure what the point of posting this is, I just really felt the need to share this man's story.

I’m intrigued as to where you think the government will get the money from. Are you prepared to accept tax rises?

From the increased VAT income on the higher energy prices for starters.

@MintyMoocow

I’m intrigued as to where you think the government will get the money from. Are you prepared to accept tax rises?

I would absolutely be prepared to accept tax rises to ensure that people who need help with rising fuel costs are able to get it.

We are not rich by any means, but we are comfortable and we can absorb the increase in energy prices relatively easily. However, I know that lots of people can't, through no fault of their own. Why wouldn't I be willing to pay a bit more? If others are having to choose between eating and heating, that's the least I can do.

And yes, of course, I can give that money voluntarily if I choose, and I already do through charitable donations, but actually, in this scenario, I think the state has a duty to step in. And it is failing in that duty!!

@Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious

I read the article, there's no confirmation on what caused the explosion as yet. If he was 91 it could be as simple as he'd left the gas on and something caused a spark, or a faulty appliance. Neither of which are due to the government.

Exactly! The investigation hasn’t even finished yet so nobody should be saying his death is due to the rise in energy costs.

@MintyMoocow

I’m intrigued as to where you think the government will get the money from. Are you prepared to accept tax rises?

They don't need to dish out money. Just tell the energy companies to stop taking the piss. Absorb a hit to their profits. We all have to feel the pinch, why shouldn't they? And reintroduce a sensible cap.

Preferably imo they'd take back electricity, gas and water as government provided services run as not for profit, but that will never happen.

We can absorb the price rises with ease. I would absolutely pay more tax if it was going to help people who couldn't afford heat.
Was only 10 years ago l was a single mum struggling to top up my pre payment meters. Some days we had no electric or gas. I would hate to be in that situation now with it costing double what it did last month

France have got the right idea, people there aren't seeing massive energy hikes, why the hell can't we do the same here. The greed of these energy companies are obscene.

I think you need to wait until the actual reason is released. The brother said something about the fact that he might have concocted some sort of heater himself.

I'd rather pay higher tax to be used wisely (not by a Conservative government) than pay the energy hike.

I can't fathom how people already doing all they can to make ends meet will cope and manage and it's very worrying and quite sickening there is no help.

Out smart meter was £5 at 8am I can't figure out how. Kids watching TV some lights going and heating on for a short time as we woke up. I can pay. What will others do.

@Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious @Igotchills you are both absolutely right, I am in the neighbouring town and there are lots of things being thrown around our local WhatsApp group about this case, and I have just been caught up in being outraged that his death could have been due to rising costs and therefore prevented. I absolutely should have waited until the investigation was finished, that is my mistake.