Could a ‘cost-of-living payment’ solve the domestic energy crisis?

There are some merits – but before considering it, Rishi Sunak should first give back the £20 he removed from universal credit, writes James Moore

The Social Market Foundation says Rishi Sunak should hand out cash payments to solve energy crisis (PA)

How can Rishi Sunak solve the domestic energy crisis? In a recent column, I explored some of the options on the table for the chancellor to address soaring domestic bills, which are a major contributor to the cost-of-living crisis.

The Social Market Foundation, a think tank, has now put forward a new one: simply give people a cheque. A cost-of-living payment modelled on America’s stimulus package during the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the problems the chancellor faces is that none of the alternatives are terribly attractive.