SCARBOROUGH AND WHITBY LIBERAL DEMOCRATS BACK BILL TO END FUEL POVERTY (Scarborough and Whitby Liberal Democrats)

Scarborough and Whitby Liberal Democrats <info@scarboroughandwhitbylibdems.org.uk>

SCARBOROUGH AND WHITBY LIBERAL DEMOCRATS BACK BILL TO END FUEL POVERTY

January 21, 2009 2:52 PM

Liberal Democrats in Scarborough have expressed their delight that Liberal Democrat MP David Heath is bringing forward a parliamentary 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.

Scarborough Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Tania Exley-Moore, said:

"These proposals will be great for the environment whilst also making a real difference to pensioners and others struggling to pay their energy bills. It will make a real difference to the estimated five million households faced with the terrible choice between heating and eating this winter.

"The bill would also provide a much-needed boost to the local construction industry struggling in the recession.

Scarborough and Whitby have many homes with very poor insulation.Many residents are living on a low income and find that they have to choose between heating their homes or paying for their essential food needs. It is not acceptable that in 2009 such choices have to be made.

"These proposals deserve the support of politicians from all parties. I hope that Robert Goodwill MP will give the bill his full 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.