LABOUR AND TORIES FAIL TO SUPPORT FUEL POVERTY FIGHT (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

LABOUR AND TORIES FAIL TO SUPPORT FUEL POVERTY FIGHT

March 20, 2009 5:30 PM

Legislation aimed at ending fuel poverty suffered a setback today, when Ministers refused to give it their support and instead talked the Bill out. The Fuel Poverty Bill sought to put into law a commitment to make homes more energy-efficient and introduce lower prices for vulnerable households.

MPs from Cornwall turned out in force to support the Private Member's Bill, introduced by the Lib Dem MP for Somerton and Frome, David Heath. However, a lack of support from Ministers, as well as Conservative and Labour backbenchers meant that the Bill did not progress.

Cornwall has some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in the country. It is estimated that the issue affects nearly one in ten Cornish households, and was responsible for the deaths of 270 people across Cornwall in the winter of 2006-07 alone. With people under greater financial pressure than ever as the recession bites, the Liberal Democrats proposed this new legislation in Parliament to cut fuel costs for vulnerable families.

Commenting, Falmouth and Camborne MP Julia Goldsworthy said:

"Fuel poverty is a stain on this country. Today represented an opportunity to take an important step forward in tackling this problem - but frustratingly the Government failed to make the most of it. As a result, many vulnerable families will continue to struggle with their bills, and needless deaths will continue as a result of the cold.

"This Bill was urgently needed; for the poorest in our communities by reducing their fuel bills; for the environment by reducing emissions; and for the economic boost it could give to struggling industries in Cornwall by creating new jobs.

Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall, added:

"I am bitterly disappointed that this legislation has not made progress, largely as a result of low turnout among Labour and Conservative MPs.

"This is such an vital issue and today's vote should have been an important step towards tackling the struggle faced by thousands of people in Cornwall who are faced with the grim choice between eating and heating their home."