New law to end fuel poverty? 30 January 2009
David Heath MP has put forward a Private Members Bill to end fuel poverty in the House of Commons.
Fuel poverty is defined as when a person must spend more than 10% of their income on energy.
Super energy efficiency
The Bill would require the Government to end fuel poverty by making the homes of the fuel poor 'fuel poverty proof'. Measures would include:
- Better insulation
Like double glazing, loft and wall insulation. - Home renewable energy
Such as from solar panels or heat pumps. - Cutting waste
Smart meters that show where to save energy
Saving carbon, saving lives.
This winter over 5 million UK households are struggling to heat their homes. Some will have to choose between heating and eating.
The Bill would bring over 6 million existing homes up to the same standards of energy efficiency as houses being built today.
Did you know?
20,000 deaths - mainly older people - are recorded each year in England due to cold alone
This could lift millions out of fuel poverty, and help cut CO2 emissions in the housing sector - currently 27% of the UK's total emissions.
It could also create thousands of green jobs.
What happens next?
The Fuel Poverty Bill has its second reading in the House of Commons on the 20th of February. To pass this stage it will need 100 MPs to vote for it.
Press for change
- Ask your MP to back the Bill.
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