John Healey abolishes gas standing charges for 23m homes ahead of budget
Move to save two-thirds of households average of £45 a year
Chancellor John Healey has announced the abolition of standing charges on gas bills for 23 million homes, a move he said would end an "unfair and outdated" practice and save two-thirds of households an average of £45 a year. The change, to be implemented by energy regulator Ofgem next year or as soon as possible after, was unveiled ahead of his first budget statement in the Commons on Wednesday.