Age UK criticised by Charity Commission over energy offer

Age UK has been criticised by the Charity Commission, after it recommended an energy tariff that was not the cheapest available.

Earlier this year the charity was accused of making £6m in profit from a special deal it had negotiated with the energy supplier E.ON.

In its report

the Charity Commission said Age UK had "insufficient" oversight mechanisms.

However the energy regulator, Ofgem said a separate enquiry was not needed.

"Participation in the energy market poses significant risks, and Age UK should consider whether continued involvement is in the charity's best interests," said David Holdsworth, chief operating officer at the Charity Commission.

"Although the charity had oversight mechanisms, the commission found these were insufficient and needed to be kept under more regular review. Any fee or commission that the charity receives through these arrangements must be clear and transparent."

Age UK suspended the tariff "temporarily" back in February.

Under the offer, customers were likely to pay an average of £1,049 a year, under a two-year fixed deal. However that was £245 more expensive than the cheapest deal offered by E.ON, under a one year tariff.

At the time, Age UK said it was unfair to compare the two directly.

A spokesperson for the regulator said "Ofgem has looked into E.ON's marketing of its tariffs with Age UK and concluded that there is no case to open an investigation."