Torfaen MP Paul Murphy backed calls this week for the money raised from carbon taxes to be used to help those those struggling to keep warm this winter. He urged the Government to do more to improve the energy efficiency of homes, potentially saving consumers hundreds of pounds a year.
Fuel poverty figures showed that in Wales fuel poverty has increased by 13% since 2013. Over 1 in 4 families with dependent children in Wales are fuel poor, meaning that they cannot keep their homes warm at a reasonable price. Tragically, last year 30,000 people died across Britain because of the cold.
The Government raises over £4 billion each year through carbon taxes on polluting companies. The Cold Homes Week campaign, which is run by a coalition of almost 180 charities, calls on the Government to use this cash to improve energy efficiency of struggling households. Through new boilers, better insulation and renewable energy generation, households significantly cut their energy usage, saving them money over the longer term. However, the high upfront cost of these measures is beyond the reach of many without Government support.
Ed Matthew, Director of the Energy Bill Revolution said:
“We welcome Mr Murphy’s support for the Energy Bill Revolution. It is clear that the lasting solution to this crisis is to stop homes leaking heat. This must be UK’s number one infrastructure priority, it will save families hundreds of pounds on their energy bills and end fuel poverty once and for all.”
Mr Murphy added:
“Far too many people face the unacceptable choice between heating their home and having enough food to eat. This cannot be right in twenty-first century Britain, particularly when the bosses of energy companies are getting huge bonuses while they raise their customers’ bills and make vast profits.”
“The Government must take immediate action to help the millions of people struggling to pay their energy bills, instead of always siding with the few who are making millions of pounds in profits. We can warm our homes, reduce our fuel bills and cut carbon emissions if we take the steps needed.”
