Bill to end fuel poverty to be put to parliament

12.00.00am GMT Sun 18th Jan 2009

Liberal Democrats in Hinckley and Bosworth have expressed their delight that Liberal Democrat MP David Heath is bringing forward a parliamentary bill aimed at ending fuel poverty.

Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Council David Bill, and Bosworth Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman Michael Mullaney had previously written to David Heath asking him to put the bill forward.

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.

Michael Mullaney, said: "We are glad that David Heath has agree to put this bill forward.

"These proposals deserve the support of politicians from all parties. I hope that Leicestershires MPs 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.