Cold comfort
Generating vast profits after raising prices is unattractive at the best of times. To do so when Britain has only just emerged from its longest and deepest post-war recession is distinctly unfair. Major companies including Scottish & Southern, Scottish Power and, of course, British Gas, stand accused of exploiting their status as suppliers of essential heating and lighting.
They should beware. The furore over bankers' bonuses showed that corporate reputations can be shredded in moments. We live in austere times and, in an age of consumer activism, Britons will protest loudly and at length if they feel they are being treated badly. Ordinary people accept businesses have to make a profit; what they won't tolerate is greed.