Over the last few weeks I have joined the lobbying of David Heath MP to take on as his private members bill the challenge of tackling fuel poverty. This is a serious issues for many families on low income in this country and that fact that it goes on year after year is a shame on the Government. Sticking plaster cash handouts are not the long term answer. We need a concerted attack on the way energy is charged and on how we improve the insulation and fuel efficiency of our current housing stock.

I was delighted that David took up the challenge and I hope he steers the Bill through parliament.

Here is the response I got from one of his staff

“Thank you for your email to David about the Fuel Poverty Bill.

I am delighted to inform you that, after much consultation with a diverse range of organisations and campaign groups, David decided to take forward the Bill through Parliament. While he received hundreds of worthy suggestions for potential Bills, he felt that the Fuel Poverty Bill would make a lasting difference to the huge number of people living in unacceptable conditions across Britain today.

The Bill will have two main objectives. The first will be the launch of a major energy efficiency programme to ‘fuel poverty proof’ existing homes by bringing them up to the current energy efficiency levels enjoyed by modern homes. The second will be the use of social tariffs to limit vulnerable households’ exposure to high energy bills. After the particularly cold weather we have experience this winter, there is a clear need to ensure that all homes are fully insulated, keeping the vulnerable warm and reducing energy bills.

Many high profile organisations, including Age Concern, the Child Poverty Action Group and Friends of the Earth, have backed the Bill. He is hopeful that with your continued support and effort, the Bill will build substantial cross-party backing.

Should you wish to receive updates on the progress of the Bill, please email me back and I will add you to our mailing list.”