Oldham area Liberal Democrats back bill to end fuel poverty

10.30.13am GMT Thu 15th Jan 2009

David Heath MP for Somerton and Frome

Liberal Democrats in the Oldham area 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.

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

Oldham East & Saddleworth Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Elwyn Watkins, 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.

"These proposals deserve the support of politicians from all parties. I hope that our local MPs Phil Woolas and Michael Meacher 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.

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The proposals in the bill also form part of the Liberal Democrats' Green Road out of Recession package.