ePolitix.com Stakeholders comment on news that British Gas is to lower some of its prices.

Party Response: Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokesman Susan Kramer said: "This is a welcome move that will begin to undo some of the big increases that have hit bill payers recently.

"The decision to offer support to some of the most vulnerable people is also to be applauded.

"However, this should form the first part of a downward trend in bills, rather than a one-off reduction.

"Wholesale gas prices have fallen and new pipelines should ensure a much better supply.

"These benefits must continue to be passed on to consumers.

"Ofgem will need to watch carefully how the energy companies behave over the next few months to make sure they pass on price reductions to their customers as speedily as they imposed the increases."

Stakeholder response: Help the Aged

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Steve Jones, director of communications at Help the Aged, said: "We are delighted to see British Gas lowering prices. 

"This will be particularly welcomed by vulnerable older customers living on fixed incomes. 

"Combined with the announcement that they are to offer lower tariffs to their non-direct debit customers, this will make a significant difference particularly at a time when the cost of living is soaring at a rate far higher than the rises in the basic state pension."
 

Stakeholder response: Age Concern

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Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, said: "Any reduction in their bill we be welcomed by older customers, particularly those on low fixed incomes.

"However we would like to see further decreases in fuel bills from energy providers across the board.

"More must be done by gas and electricity firms to minimise the effects of high energy prices on vulnerable older people.

"Rapid price hikes in gas and electricity have caused considerable worry for pensioners on low incomes who are already struggling to make ends meet.

"Many people are really worried about turning up their heating, even during this cold weather, in case they can’t afford to pay the bill."