Help for households hit by fuel poverty

THE Government is set to come under renewed pressure to bring almost 6,000 Oldhamers out of fuel poverty.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Leader of the House David Heath will introduce the Fuel Poverty Bill which would ensure social tariffs to stop vulnerable households facing massive bills.

It would also see an efficiency programme to bring existing homes up to the current energy efficiency levels enjoyed by modern homes. Latest figures show there are 5,700 households across the borough in fuel poverty —meaning residents are paying out more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel bills.

Mr Heath said: “It is estimated that five million households face an impossible choice between heating and eating this winter.

“This is a measure which is needed urgently, not just in terms of social justice, but for the environment and the economic boost it could give to a struggling construction industry. It’s a bill that is timely and needs to succeed.”

A fuel poverty strategy was introduced under the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000 to do everything “reasonably practicable” to end fuel poverty among vulnerable households in England and Wales by 2010.

In October, 2008, campaigners failed in a high court bid to force the Government to spend more to end the problem.

Many MPs have called for a windfall tax on the profits of the energy companies to fund a help package for those who have been affected by fuel poverty and extend winter fuel payments to include the disabled, cancer patients, those with long term illnesses and families with disabled and young children.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock said: “As the bill has yet to be introduced, we have not seen the content and cannot comment on it.

“However, we are committed to doing as much as we can to fight fuel poverty. We have significant spending in place, but I am currently reviewing how we deliver our programmes to ensure as many people as possible are getting the help they need.”