Fuel Poverty Bill

This Friday will see the debate on Lib Dem MP David Heath's Fuel Poverty Bill. This would see a range of measures to support those on the very lowest incomes to be able to better afford the household fuels they need. For example, it would see a massive home insulation programme touching 6 million homes and a guaranteed 'social tariff' to ensure that low energy users don't pay more for their energy than others (as is currently the case).

The Bill is being backed by a broad coalition of charities and energy reduction organisation, including Consumer Focus, Association for the Conservation of Energy, Age Concern, Help the Aged, Child Poverty Action Group, Disability Alliance, Friends of the Earth, The Sustainable Energy Partnership, National Right to Fuel Campaign and the Centre for Sustainable Energy. There are clear gains for both the individuals and the environment.

The word on the street is that the Labour Government are going to try to 'talk the Bill out' on Friday. This is a parliamentary technique to make sure it fails without having to actually vote against it - basically, the debate runs out of time and so no vote is taken. It's a cynical ploy that they use when they want to dodge an issue.

Bristol West Lib Dem MP Stephen Williams has already pledged to vote for the Bill. But you might want to contact Bristol's Labour MPs to try to convince them that this is a vital step forwards for vulnerable people, the environment and job creation.