Call for Norwich MPs to Back 'Warm Homes' Bill

6.23.00pm GMT Wed 18th Mar 2009

MPs will debate on Friday a new parliamentary bill that help cut energy bills for the poorest families and could help save the lives of up to 20,000 pensioners a year. The 'Fuel Poverty Bill' also calls for a massive programme to make homes more energy efficient - saving residents money and protecting the environment.

Nearly one-in-five households in Norwich are classed as 'fuel poor' - meaning that occupiers need to spend more than 10pc of their annual income on energy.

Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, has written to Norwich MPs Charles Clarke and Ian Gibson calling on them to attend the debate and support the bill. Mr Wright says:

"We have a well above average number of homes in Norwich classed as fuel poor. Improving the energy efficiency of homes in the city is of great importance, both to save people money and also to help tackle global warming.

"Energy bills have nearly doubled in recent years, and many pensioners and families are struggling harder than ever to heat their homes. It's outrageous that so many people are facing the impossible choice of heating their homes or putting food on the table.

"This bill would deliver a massive home insulation programme which would halve the energy needed to heat a typical home. It would also address the unfair higher electricity and gas rates paid by those who use pre-pay meters.

"I've written to both our MPs in Norwich urging them to be at the debate on Friday. It's so important that this bill passes, but it will only happen if as many MPs as possible are in Parliament to support it."

The Fuel Poverty Bill being proposed by Liberal Democrat MP David Heath is being enthusiastically backed by leading charities including Age Concern, Friends of the Earth and the Child Poverty Action Group.

The bill is scheduled for second reading debate in the House of Commons on Friday March 20th. If less than 100 MPs attend, the bill could be blocked.