Urgent action now – Bates calls for Cabinet task group to tackle fuel poverty. (Clwyd West Liberal Democrats)

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Clwyd West Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Urgent action now – Bates calls for Cabinet task group to tackle fuel poverty.

October 23, 2008 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Mick Bates, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Environment, has today demanded that the Welsh Assembly Government form an urgent Cabinet task group to tackle the serious issue of fuel poverty facing thousands of people in Wales.

It is estimated that 340,000 people will be living in fuel poverty this winter due to rising fuel costs, and the figure is set to get higher as more and more households spend more than 10% of household income on fuel.

Mick Bates has written to the First Minister urging him to form a Cabinet task group so that ministers in key departments can use monies in their own portfolios to work together to tackle this worrying issue.

Mick Bates said:

"This government needs to wake up to the reality of fuel poverty. The result of rising fuel costs will see an estimated 340,000 households, one in three in Wales, living in fuel poverty this winter. What is even more scandalous is that figures uncovered Welsh Liberal Democrat MP, Jenny Willott, revealed that 80% of single pensioners in Wales will be living in fuel poverty this winter.

"As the weather gets colder, rising energy prices will become a great worry for thousands of people. In 21st century Wales, no one should have to spend a winter without affordable heating for their homes and this is why I am urging the First Minister to act and act quickly.

"I have written to the First Minister urging him to form a Cabinet task group to ensure that the serious issue of fuel poverty is dealt with across key government portfolios. This government needs to act quickly to make sure that pensioners and low income families are protected this winter"

Mick Bates also condemned energy companies on their lack of clarity and clear information on what they spend in Wales to reduce fuel poverty.

Speaking after the Sustainability's Committee session scrutinising the energy companies on fuel poverty, Mick Bates said that gathering evidence form energy companies was like "knitting fog".

Mick Bates said:

"The Sustainability Committee scrutinised six of the major energy suppliers in Wales and it was very difficult to pin down exactly what they are doing to help the thousands of families who live in fuel poverty in Wales - it was like knitting fog.

"Energy companies should be compelled to put some of their huge profits back into insulating the homes of their poorest customers so that people can afford to heat their homes this winter without the worry of high fuel bills."

End Notes:

Fuel poverty is defined as having to spend more than 10% of household income on fuel.

Energy Companies who gave evidence in the Sustainability Committee:

· Npower· Scottish and Southern· British Gas · E.ON· Scottish Power· EDF Energy