Nick Griffin MEP is demanding answers after British Gas owner Centrica posted more than £1 billion pounds in profit on the back of double-digit price rises. 

At the same time the company is increasing prices and making big profits, they are increasing dividends to shareholders. Centrica has offered shareholders a 12 per cent increase in dividends, following its announcement of operating profits totalling £1.3bn for the six months ending June.

The company's profit margins – based on revenues of £11.5bn – ranged between 6 and 7 per cent, compared with 8 per cent in the six months before.

The average household now spends more than £1,300 a year on energy bills, according to the group's research.

Nick Griffin said:

‘These new rises come as the recession continues to bite and people struggle with finances. Bank of England governor Sir Mervyn King has said we are living through the most prolonged decline in living standards since the 1920s. These unnecessary price hikes could not come at a worse time. Winter is not far off, and pensioners and those on low incomes are going to be hit hard. Many will face a stark choice of heat or eat.

‘People should also know that the portion of energy bills attributable to the carbon emissions mitigation investment amounts to a hidden £200-a year “green tax”.

‘I want to urge members of the British National Party to reach out to those in our communities that don't have family or attentive neighbours who look after them. Start to identify anyone who may need help this winter now.

‘We must do what we can to help by checking they are OK. As our communities are attacked and services are cut, we must try to organise self-help as our people have done in the past.

‘The corporations have no social responsibility or loyalty, and we can't rely on the State. We must campaign against the rises and try to shame the companies concerned, but we must also organise communities to help themselves and support those in need.’