Liberal Democrats in Bath & North East Somerset, led by Bath MP Don Foster, are supporting South West Lib Dem MP David Heath in bringing forward a parliamentary bill aimed at ending fuel poverty.

The Fuel Poverty Bill will bring in two measures:

• A major energy efficiency programme to bring existing homes up to the current energy efficiency levels enjoyed by modern homes.
• Social tariffs to limit vulnerable households’ exposure to high-energy bills.

These proposals will be great for the environment whilst also making a real difference to pensioners and others struggling to pay their energy bills.  It will make a real difference to the large number of households who are now facing a choice between heating or eating.  Many residents of Bath will be struggling to cope with high fuel bills this winter.

The bill would also provide a much-needed boost to the local construction industry struggling in the recession.

Cllr Ian Gilchrist (Lib Dem, Widcombe), the Council’s Energy and Climate Change Champion, said, “These proposals deserve the support of politicians from all parties.  As more and more people fall into fuel poverty it is clear that real action needs to be taken.  While Labour and Conservatives continue to posture, it is Liberal Democrats who are coming up with real plans to help people now.”

The measures in the bill have received the backing of many major charities and campaign groups, including Help the Aged, Friends of the Earth, Consumer Focus and the Association for the Conservation of Energy.