PRESS RELEASE
Issued by: Councillor Paula Southwood
Date of Issue: January 16th 2009
Contact numbers:
0151 653 4975
07718 582397
WIRRAL SOUTH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS BACK BILL TO END FUEL POVERTY
Liberal Democrats in Wirral South 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:
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.
Wirral South Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Cllr Paul a Southwood 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 mirrors many of the concerns raised by Cllr Southwood in a debate at Wirral Council last February where her proposals to tackle fuel poverty across the Borough were supported by all parties.
Cllr Southwood added: "As I stated in my speech to Council last year, improving the energy efficiency of our homes helps to keep people warm, to save them money and makes a significant contribution to reducing the country's carbon footprint.
"In addition, 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 Ben Chapman MP will give the bill his 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.
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 here
As a result of coming second in the private members' bill ballot, David Heath is guaranteed time for his bill to be debated in the House of Commons on a private members' bill Friday. The date for the debate has not yet been set, but it is likely to be in March.
