Lib Dem Fuel Poverty Bill will help people in Meon Valley

7.06.00pm GMT Wed 14th Jan 2009

Heat loss is a real issue in older properties

Liz Leffman, Prospective Lib Dem MP for Meon Valley, has welcomed the news that the Lib Dem MP David Heath will be 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.

Rising prices are of great concern to people in Meon Valley, as Liz Leffman discovered while conducting a survey in the area recently. 84% of people told her that they had been badly affected by price increases, while 54% told her that environmental issues were important to them.

"These proposals will be great for the environment whilst also making a real difference to pensioners and others struggling to pay their energy bills" said Liz Leffman

"It will make a real difference to everyone in Meon Valley who is faced with the terrible choice between heating and eating this winter.

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

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.