Islington Liberal Democrats back bill to end fuel poverty

5.29.00pm GMT Thu 22nd Jan 2009

The proposals in the new bill form part of the Liberal Democrats’ 'Green New Deal' package, which Greg campaigned outside Parliament for last month.

Liberal Democrats in Islington have welcomed a new parliamentary bill aimed at ending fuel poverty being introduced by Lib Dem MP David Heath, which will complement work being done by Islington's Lib Dem council to tackle the problem locally.

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.

Islington's Liberal Democrat-run council has already introduced grants totalling £200,000 a year for its 'Safe & Warm' scheme. This provides installation of central heating, new boilers, loft and cavity wall insulation and draught proofing for people over 70 or receiving income related or disability benefits.

As part of the council's £5 million economic downturn package, the Green Living Centre in Upper Street will be launching a new 'Energy Doctor' service. The Energy Doctors will be visiting schools, community centres, day centres for older people and libraries, and will help people with advice on bills, the best energy deals, advice on home energy savings, and grant applications.

But the Lib Dems have welcomed this new national move to support the work we are already doing locally.

Greg Foxsmith, Islington's Liberal Democrat councillor in charge of environment and planning, said:

"The number of people living in fuel poverty in the UK is a badge of shame for a Labour government that promised to reduce poverty.

"The new Lib Dem proposals will be great for the environment whilst also making a real difference to pensioners and others struggling to pay their energy bills. As ever, Labour talks the talk on the environment and reducing poverty. But it takes the Lib Dems to turn these fine words into real action. I hope Islington's two Labour MPs will back this Bill. "

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.