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Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with Energywatch on measures to help elderly consumers develop a greater understanding of their rights in relation to energy companies. [138674] Mr. Timms: I have discussed with Energywatch some of its proposals to assist vulnerable consumers, including the elderly. Energywatch is committed to making its information and advice services fully accessible to all consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers. It provides information, advice and guidance direct to those consumers in their own communities, helping them be more assertive and confident in dealing with energy companies. Energywatch also works with other agencies to reach elderly and other vulnerable consumers. Its activities in areas such as fuel poverty, debt prevention and management, energy efficiency and promoting access to the competitive market directly benefit elderly consumers, as do its campaigns on mis-selling, erroneous transfers and billing and metering.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

138674; 413 c741W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Consumers Companies Energy Energy supply Protection Older people Utilities

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk