Say no to fuel poverty
Added 25/03/2009Paul Rowen MP has been campaigning for the people of Rochdale to end fuel poverty by; asking questions in parliament, supporting local energy saving initiatives and supporting David Heath MP's Fuel Poverty Bill.
- The figures are stark and frankly unacceptable given the soaring profits of the energy companies; 4.5 million older people plan to live in one room this winter due to increasing fuel prices and bills, 1 in 4 elderly people now stays in bed to keep warm, 1 in 10 older people will be forced to cur back on essentials such as food and clothing.
- Ed Miliband the Energy Secretary promised to legislate to force energy suppliers to introduce fairer prices for pre-payment customers however he has also pledged to follow Ofgem’s lead on this issue under which pre-payment meter customers will end up paying £51 p.a. more than those with quarterly bills – often the poorest and most vulnerable including pensioners have pre-paid energy.
- Energy prices have risen by 40% in the past year but this year’s winter fuel payment has only gone up by 25%; the average annual fuel bill this year was £900 yet the maximum Winter fuel payments is £400 and only available to individuals over the age of 80.
Paul Rowen, MP for Rochdale commented;
“It is absolutely appalling that in these difficult economic times, energy companies are placing higher costs upon some of the poorest customers. The Government needs to take strong action against those who will seek to squeeze extra money from society’s most vulnerable."