Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats Back Bill to End Fuel Poverty

6.51.00pm GMT Thu 26th Mar 2009

Liberal Democrats in Milton Keynes have expressed delight that Liberal Democrat MP David Heath is bringing forward a Parliamentary Private Member's Bill aimed at ending fuel poverty.

The Fuel Poverty Bill will bring in two measures:

• A major energy efficiency programme to bring existing homes up to the current energy efficiency levels enjoyed by modern homes

• Social tariffs to limit vulnerable households' exposure to high-energy bills.

Milton Keynes Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Jill Hope, said: "I am all too well aware of the fuel poverty faced by a number of pensioners in Milton Keynes, who have been complaining to me about the massive increases in their standing orders for fuel, leaving them without enough money to live on, and forcing them to make a terrible choice between heating and eating in winter.

"David Heath's proposals will be great for the environment whilst also making a real difference to pensioners and others struggling to pay their energy bills. The Bill would also provide a much-needed boost to the local construction industry, which is struggling in the recession.

"These proposals deserve the support of politicians from all parties. I hope that Mark Lancaster and Phyllis Starkey will give the bill their support when it is debated in the House of Commons."

The measures in the Bill have received the backing of many major charities and campaign groups, including Help the Aged, Friends of the Earth, Consumer Focus and the Association for the Conservation of Energy.