News & Press

Fuel Poverty Bill failure deals a devastating blow

Published: 20 March 2009

The Fuel Poverty Bill, which had the potential to lift millions of the poorest households out of fuel poverty, was talked out of the House of Commons today (Friday 20 March) by the Government minister.
Jonathan Stearn, energy expert for Consumer Focus, said:

“We are dismayed that the Government has talked out a Bill to end fuel poverty. The failure of this Bill is a devastating blow for millions of the most vulnerable pensioners, families and disabled people who will be left struggling in fuel poverty.

“The proposed energy efficiency and social tariff measures would have ‘fuel poverty-proofed’ homes and would have stopped the poor paying more for their energy.

“By not supporting the Bill the government have dramatically failed the poorest consumers. We need urgent action to help the millions of at risk households and this is a major lost opportunity. This is a sad day for those who are facing a daily battle to afford to heat their homes.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

· The campaigning bodies which have been supporting the Bill include: Age Concern England, the Association for the Conservation of Energy, the Centre for Sustainable Energy, Child Poverty Action Group, Consumer Focus, DisabilityAlliance, Friends of the Earth, Help the Aged, National Right to Fuel Campaign and Sustainable Energy Partnership.

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