IT IS reported that British Gas and four other big energy companies are expected to increase their domestic prices.

British Gas bills are expected to rise by 22 per cent, although the company refuses to comment on any potential rise; in other words, its bills are going to rise.

How can British Gas increase again this year? There is no justification for such increases. They would push more people, especially the older generation, into the poverty trap.

Energy companies will give the same old story about why they have to go ahead. The people in this country do not appear to have a say in this matter; we should have.

Tom Mitchell, Mendip Close, Huntington, York.