Energy bill of rights backed

PEOPLE have a right to affordable energy and should not have to choose between heating and eating, Oldham MP Michael Meacher says.

The Oldham West and Royton MP is supporting the Energy Bill of Rights, a campaign by Fuel Poverty Action to help thousands of households across the borough in fuel poverty - defined as households spending more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel.

Mr Meacher said: “We need to stand up against the rip-off big six energy companies who are leaving people to freeze. We need a clean, affordable and renewable energy system owned by us.

Under the Energy Bill of Rights, no one would be forced to have a pre-payment meter to prevent the vulnerable being left in the cold and dark. It also demands a fair pricing system without standing charges.