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Proceeding contribution from Caroline Flint (Labour) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 19 October 2011. It occurred during Opposition day on Energy Prices.


Energy Prices

We stand up for them. We stand up for them when they are not getting the best deal they can for their energy. We also stand up for them by ensuring that low-income homes are supported through Government schemes, whether that is Warm Front or the winter fuel allowance for older people, but those are being cut by the Government. That is what we do and what we look at. In the long term, we look at how we live our lives and where we live and, with Government leadership and support, we help business to do the right thing to help people not to be behind the curve on energy efficiency and lowering bills. We also look at what happens now, which is why our motion demands that energy companies use some of their profits to help people, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities. The Government do not understand the reality for families who struggle to pay the bills at the end of the month or the reality for vulnerable people who must make choices about whether to heat their home or have a hot meal. The same applies to families who believe in greening their homes, do their recycling, have low-energy light bulbs and have insulated their homes, yet still find that under the complex, distorted tariffs they pay more for every unit of energy they use—not to mention the businesses trying to keep their head above water because of an austerity programme that is not working for Britain.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
533 c936-7 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Companies Competition Billing Carbon capture and storage Energy Ofgem Fuel poverty Fuel oil Prices Winter fuel payment Social tariffs
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk