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Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MPLiberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Berwick Upon TweedWorking for you and the Berwick upon Tweed Constituency all year roundin Northumberland and in Westminster |
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Beith's Liberal Democrats back bill to end fuel poverty
January 27, 2009 11:00 AM
Liberal Democrats in the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency 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. There will be a major energy efficiency programme to bring existing homes up to the current energy efficiency levels enjoyed by modern homes, and social tariffs to limit vulnerable households' exposure to high-energy bills.
Leader of Berwick Borough Council Isabel Hunter 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 all MPs will give the bill their support when it is debated in the House of Commons."
Sir Alan Beith MP added his voice in support, saying
"Many people have contacted me with serious concerns about the cost of heating their homes, especially given the cold start we had to winter at the end of last year. I will be backing these proposals when the Bill comes before Parliament."
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.
The proposals in the bill also form part of the Liberal Democrats' Green Road out of Recession package. Further information on the package can be found at http://www.libdems.org.uk/home/nick-clegg-launches-the-green-road-out-of-the-recession-98449610;show
As a result of coming second in the private member's bill ballot, David Heath is guaranteed time for his bill to be debated in the House of Commons on a private member's bill Friday. The date for the debate has not yet been set, but it is likely to be in March.
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