In Great Britain, energy companies are to be subject to a special tax in the future and consumers are to be relieved. Oil and gas companies should be taxed on their profits at 25 percent.

In view of the exploding cost of living, the British government wants to impose a special tax on energy companies and relieve consumers.

The plan, which Finance Minister Rishi Sunak presented to Parliament in London, envisages that the temporary levy will bring 5 billion pounds (almost 6 billion euros) into the state coffers over the course of the coming year. Oil and gas companies have to pay tax on their profits at 25 percent. There should be allowances for investments. The tax should be levied until energy prices return to normal levels, said the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In return, households are to be relieved by 400 pounds this year. Eight million pensioners are also to be supported with £300. There will be a further relief of £650 for certain welfare recipients.

“We have to make sure that there is support for those who find it too difficult and whose risks are too high,” said the conservative politician. Sunak added: “This government will not twiddle their thumbs while our country is at risk of some being hit so hard that they will never recover.”

Energy prices in Great Britain skyrocketed on April 1 due to the increase in the government price cap. Another increase is expected in October. According to regulator Ofgem, UK households will then face an average electricity and gas bill of £2,800 a year.