Energy windfall

Energy windfall

Friday, 01, Aug 2008 12:00

Plans for a tax windfall on energy companies are being seriously considered by chancellor Alistair Darling.

Calls for extracting funds from energy companies have been growing louder and louder over the last month as the effects of rising prices hit home.

Proponents point to the vast profits of energy companies and argue the government could help the elderly and those on low incomes without losing any money from the Treasury.

But opponents say the energy companies will merely pass on their losses to the customer, and that any move will make the UK a less attractive place for investment.