A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic.
The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year. The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began. Similar schemes elsewhere have produced mixed results, with outcomes varying widely by region. Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment.
A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. Similar schemes elsewhere have produced mixed results, with outcomes varying widely by region. Industry bodies have broadly welcomed the direction while warning about implementation costs.
Industry bodies have broadly welcomed the direction while warning about implementation costs. A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn. Similar schemes elsewhere have produced mixed results, with outcomes varying widely by region.
Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began. The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year.




