As UK energy bills rise MEP calls on Government to tackle fuel poverty

4.27.00pm GMT Thu 6th Nov 2008

West Midlands LibDem MEP Liz Lynne has today responded to reports that UK energy bills have risen at double the rate of bills in other European countries, saying that the Government needs to do more to help combat fuel poverty.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, statistics show that UK gas and electricity bills rose an average of 29.7% last year, this is compared to only a 15% rise across the whole of the EU.

These dramatic increases are expected to cause yet further problems for some of the UK's most vulnerable groups, who are already suffering from the effects of the credit crisis.

Speaking today Liz, who is the Vice- President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, said that the Government needs to create a set of forward thinking energy policies:

"We are lucky in the UK that, because of our liberalised energy markets we have, for many years, paid less for our gas and electricity than many other countries in Europe. However, these new figures show that, due to the global financial crisis, this is beginning to change. The Government needs to make sure we deal with the problem quickly so as to rescue people at risk of falling into fuel poverty.

"The Government needs to create firmer rules on energy companies tariff levels and ensure that people can meet their energy costs, while at the same time making sure that people are aware of how they can save energy.

"If people's houses are properly insulated, with energy saving boilers and appliances, this will go a long way to helping people cut the cost of their bills. The Government needs to make this information available and throw their full weight behind schemes which focus on energy efficiency. Not only will this help lower household energy costs, but it will also lead to a greener, cleaner future.

"In the mean time, I recommend that anyone worried about rising household costs go seek advice from the Energy Retail Association on how to lower their individual energy costs. Their website can be found at: http://www.energy-retail.org.uk/."

ENDS

Notes:

The LibDems are committed to creating a zero carbon Britain by 2050.