Saving jobs at Tata Steel a priority: Minister

• Energy bills are forecast to remain close to current levels through winter despite a possible small fall in October.
• Cornwall Insight expects the October energy price cap to stand at about £1,849 a year on a like-for-like basis.
• Analysts say geopolitical tensions and high wholesale gas prices continue to cloud the outlook.

UK energy bills are expected to remain high throughout the winter, with analysts warning that households are unlikely to see meaningful relief even if the next energy price cap falls slightly. The latest forecast comes as Ofgem's energy price cap rises by 13 per cent from July 1, increasing annual bills for a typical household by £221 to £1,862.

According to energy consultancy Cornwall Insight, the price cap could edge down by around 0.5 per cent in October, taking annual bills to roughly £1,849 on a comparable basis. However, the consultancy said the expected reduction would be too small to significantly ease pressure on household budgets as colder weather drives up energy use.