Thousands in Hemel struggling with fuel poverty

12.00.00am GMT Sun 1st Mar 2009

Thousands of Hemel households (5,726 in total) are now living in fuel poverty according to shocking figures released today by Consumer Focus. A coalition of ten campaigning organisations, including Consumer Focus, is urging local MPs to back a new Bill that would end the scandal of fuel poverty. Hemel's Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Dr Richard Grayson has backed the campaign.

Richard Grayson says: 'Keeping warm is a basic requirement and it is a scandal that so many people are unable to pay for basic fuel costs. I fully support the Fuel Poverty Bill.'

The Fuel Poverty Bill provides a huge opportunity to tackle the shameful fuel poverty levels throughout the country. It aims to "fuel poverty proof" homes by making them as energy efficient as a home built today. This could reduce energy bills by up to 70% and improve the environment by reducing carbon emissions. It would also ensure that energy firms provide the lowest price deals (social tariffs5) for vulnerable households until their homes are "fuel poverty proofed".

The coalition is urging MPs to help lift thousands of their poorest constituents out of fuel poverty by being in Parliament on Friday 20 March and voting for the bill, which will be introduced by David Heath MP. It is also asking the public to write to their MP to ask them to be there to vote and not in their constituencies on that day.

Recent meagre energy price cuts have barely put a dent in fuel poverty levels, with around 3.5 million households still struggling to afford to heat their homes in England. Many of the poorest older people, disabled people, and families are cutting back on their heating or other essentials as a result, which could put their health at risk. This is particularly worrying as the colder winter this year is likely to lead to a higher number of excess winter deaths.6

If the Fuel Poverty Bill succeeds it could help lift thousands of vulnerable households out of fuel poverty in the Hemel area. To find out more about the Bill and how to contact their MP, people can visit www.endfuelpoverty.org.uk or call Nancy Platts at Consumer Focus on 020 7799 7989.