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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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Your views wanted: are people in Northumberland getting a fair deal heating their homes?
July 17, 2009 10:19 AM
Sir Alan Beith, the Liberal Democrat MP for the Berwick upon Tweed constituency, is today calling on local people who use heating oils and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to have their say on the problems affecting them in an investigation by Consumer Focus.
Consumer Focus, the independent champion for consumers, launched the investigation into this often ignored market following a raft of consumer complaints. It will look at the problems faced by those who use heating oils or LPG and what can be done to ensure the market better meets the needs of customers. More than twice as many households using heating oil live in fuel poverty compared to other energy users.
Local MP Alan Beith said:
'Large swathes of Northumberland are not connected to mains gas and I am pleased to see that Consumer Focus is investigating the problems faced by people using heating oils or LPG to heat their homes. I will be making a strong representation to them on this issue.
'Many households in rural Northumberland are dependent on these fuels and I would strongly urge those affected to get in touch with me or with Consumer Focus. The more evidence we have the more effective they can be in calling for change.'
Consumer Focus energy expert Robert Hammond said:
'For too long the problems of those who aren't on the gas network have been ignored.
'Many of these consumers often have little choice about how they heat their homes and this can leave them paying a steep price. This is an opportunity for these customers to have their voices heard by letting us know the problems they face.'
To have your say, you can write to Alan Beith MP, Freepost RRLJ-RKST-YYCJ, 54 Bondgate Within, Alnwick NE66 1JD or email alanbeith@berwicklibdems.org.uk - or get in touch with your name, address and comments.
Alternatively you can write to Andrew Hallett, Consumer Focus, Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RT or email regulated.industries@consumerfocus.org.uk . The consultation ends on 14 August 2009.
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