New figures highlight growing fuel poverty problem in South Manchester
Soaring energy bills have left an estimated 6,000 households in Manchester Withington in fuel poverty this winter, according to new figures highlighted by the Liberal Democrats.The figures, released this week by consumer group Customer Focus, show that more than one in six households in the constituency are affected and local MP John Leech is now leading calls for the government to act urgently to help people struggling to pay their fuel bills.
John Leech said:
“These new estimates are truly shocking and it’s not hard to see the culprit. Over the last five years average gas and electricity bills have more than doubled. The prices being paid by energy companies for fuel on the wholesale markets are coming down, but the companies aren’t passing on the cuts to their customers. This is totally unacceptable and the government must take urgent action to help people struggling with high fuel bills.”
Mr Leech is also calling on MPs of all parties to back the Fuel Poverty Bill that is being introduced to the Commons by Liberal Democrat MP David Heath.
“The Fuel Poverty Bill would deliver a massive home insulation programme which would halve the energy needed to heat the average home. And it would end the scandal of those who use pre-pay meters – generally the least well-off – paying higher rates for their gas and electricity.
“The Government must give it their support.”
Find out more about the Fuel Poverty Bill at http://www.endfuelpoverty.org.uk.
