Bridget launches campaign for fairer fuel bills

5.48.00pm GMT Fri 23rd Jan 2009

Bridget Fox and Joe Trotter are calling for fairer fuel bills

Liberal Democrat campaigner Bridget Fox has launched a petition in support of fairer fuel bills.

At present, consumers pay more for the first units of energy used, making it harder for people to save money on their bills.

Low income customers on pre-pay meters pay more per unit than customers on direct debit. Social tariffs, aimed at people on low incomes, are complicated and confusing.

And while the Government sets high energy efficiency targets for some new homes, one in four households are missing out.

Bridget says, "Many households have been hard hit by record energy prices. Every year old people die from cold, too afraid of the bills to heat their homes. Too many people face choices between heating and eating. It's a disgrace in the 21st century.

"And even as gas and electricity bills begin to fall, the poorest households still pay more for their energy than richer ones: that's unfair.

"It's time for real action for fairer fuel bills."

Bridget's petition is backing the Fuel Poverty Bill tabled by Liberal Democrat MP David Heath, with support from charities including Age Concern, Child Poverty Action Group, Friends of the Earth and Help the Aged.

Finsbury resident Joe Trotter, adds "We need something to be done. Pensioners who've worked hard all their lives are finding it tough. Our gas bills have gone up and the Government does nothing to help most of us. I'm backing Bridget's campaign for fairer fuel bills."

Bridget says, "I'm proud that Liberal Democrats are leading the way in fighting fuel poverty; we're promoting a massive investment in insulation and energy efficiency to lower bills, create jobs and protect the environment too."

You can sign Bridget's petition at: http://www.ourcampaign.org.uk/fairerfuelbills