'Insane' plan to prescribe energy discount expected to send 614 patients to every GP

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Treasury officials crafted the proposal as a way to mitigate sky-high energy bill hikes for the most vulnerable, but the sweeping idea has caused a backlash

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The plan to send Britons to their GPs for a cut on energy bills would leave each GP caring for over 600 fuel-poor patients.

The idea, which has been called "insane" by critics, is one of several cost-of-living proposals drawn up by Treasury officials to present to the new Prime Minister.

With energy bills set to soar to £6,000 a year, the GP would see if patients need help because they are sick, elderly or vulnerable and then prescribe a discount.

But analysis by the Liberal Democrats found the idea could put pressure on overwhelmed doctors and add to the misery of patients who already face long waits for appointments.

NHS figures from June show there were already around 2,258 patients per GP in England.

Households are facing skyrocketing energy bills (

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Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Cornwall Insight analysts have found that 9.2 million households will remain in fuel poverty due to the price cap hike in October, rising to over 10.6 million in January 2023.

If GPs were to see every person in fuel poverty, they could add 614 patient visits to their workload, the Lib Dems said.

In the worst-hit parts of the country, including Kent and Medway, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and north-west London, doctors are reportedly...