Fuel bills

ePolitix.com Stakeholders comment on suggestions that energy bills could rise by as much as 40 per cent this winter

Stakeholder response: Age Concern and Help the Aged

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, said: "If the energy companies really care about their most vulnerable customers, they should join forces to maximise the help available to fuel poor pensioners this winter – excuses about competition will not wash.

"£50 is by no means enough, but alongside the Winter Fuel Payment it would at least offer some comfort to millions of pensioners facing a bleak winter. Let’s be clear though, this emergency relief would not absolve the government of responsibility for delivering the long-term measures needed to tackle fuel poverty. So far, ministers have been sleepwalking through the fuel poverty crisis."

 

Mervyn Kohler, special adviser to Help the Aged, said: "The challenges of climate change and fuel poverty are hugely serious, but the rhetoric of the government is not being matched by its actions.

"Two weeks ago, new figures revealed that 2.5 million pensioners are living on incomes below the poverty line – some 23 per cent. These pensioners are finding their resources increasingly stretched further by fuel and food price hikes.

"The government and energy industry must work much harder to reduce the increasing worry, pressure and fearfulness in our older population. Ahead of today's evidence session, the charities are also renewing their call for the government to introduce mandatory social tariffs for vulnerable households through the Energy Bill to ensure that the poorest customers don’t end up paying more than other customers."

Stakeholder response: National Insulation Association

Neil Marshall, chief executive of the not-for-profit NIA, said: "It's really worrying that many of the elderly and those on low incomes could resort to not heating their homes this winter for fear that they won't be able to pay their bills. But there is a way they can bring these bills down without compromising their quality of life – and that’s by insulating their homes."

"People do not realise that around half of the heat they are paying for in their homes is being lost needlessly through the walls and roof. By installing cavity wall and loft insulation, heating bills can be reduced by around £275 a year. Insulation is quick, safe and easy to install - and with the wide range of grants available it is now more cost effective than ever.

"The National Insulation Association is committed to raising public awareness of the range of financial support available for insulating their homes .

"If you're 70 or over, or on qualifying benefits, you can get your home insulated free of charge. You don't have to be in a vulnerable household to benefit from financial assistance – there are grants and subsidies available to all sectors of the population.

"Even if you don't own your own home and live in rented accommodation, you can still apply for a grant. To find out what you are entitled to and contact an installer in your area visit www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk."