Local Liberal Democrats lobby parliament to end fuel poverty

Leading Liberal Democrats in Hinckley and Bosworth have been lobbying MPs urging them to support a Parliamentary Bill to tackle fuel poverty.

According to the most recently published figures there are 2,500 households in Hinckley and Bosworth living in fuel poverty. However, campaigners fear that the real figure may be even higher as the recession has begun to bite and fuel costs have risen since the figures were published.

Liberal Democrat leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Council, Cllr David Bill and Liberal Democrat parliamentary Spokesman for Bosworth, Michael Mullaney, have written a joint letter to David Heath MP asking him to put forward the Fuel poverty (Eradication) Bill.

Each year MPs are entered into a Private Members Ballot and those whose names are drawn out get a chance to present a Bill to parliament which can become law. David Heath MP was drawn out at number 2 in the Ballot which gives him a really good chance of being able to present a Bill to Parliament.

Michael Mullaney said "Many people this winter face a choice between heating and eating. We must do all we can to help people who are struggling to pay their fuel bills.

"If the Fuel Poverty Bill gets passed it will make a difference to people who are living in fuel poverty.

"The Bill specifically requires the homes of the fuel poor to be brought up to the minimum energy efficiency standards currently enjoyed by new homes. It also requires the use of social tariffs to limit vulnerable households' exposure to high energy bills.

"I hope that David Heath chooses to present this Bill to parliament and I hope the government and all MPs will support it."

Cllr David Bill said " I am only too well aware of people's concerns about the rising cost of fuel bills. This recent cold snap has really exacerbated the situation."