MPs debate fuel poverty and cold homes, 11 Feb 2.30-4.00pm

UKParliament

Our goal is to post up information on work undertaken in the House of Commons that has a consumer focus but which may not be highlighted elsewhere.

We have posted this on the Energy board because we thought some of you might be interested in the topic of debate. We encourage discussion and comments concerning the topic or content of this thread.


Fuel Poverty and Cold Homes: Westminster Hall Debate
Due to take place 11 February between 2-4.30pm


Roger Williams (the MP who proposed this debate) has written a few words exclusively for members of MSE to outline why he called this debate:

“Last week the campaign Cold Homes Week, which focuses on fighting fuel poverty in the UK, launched a series of events and activities designed to focus attention on the state of many of the UK’s homes. Compared to much of Europe, the UK has a bigger fuel poverty problem because of our poor quality housing. Investing in better housing should be the UK’s top infrastructure priority.

Rural areas, including my constituency Brecon and Radnorshire, are especially badly hit by fuel poverty. Early last year, DEFRA found that while under 10% of homes in urban areas do not have a gas connection, this figure rises to 36% in rural areas . Households that are off-grid tend to be on fuels that are more expensive than normal fuel, such as liquid petroleum gas, heating oil and solid fuels such as coal and wood. All these are dearer than mains gas.

It is for these reasons that I have called for this important debate and I will urge the Minister to extend the gas mains to communities that are currently not benefiting from them and to invest in insulating homes. That would go a long way in solving fuel poverty in the long run.”

About Westminster Hall Adjournment Debates:

An adjournment debate provides an opportunity for backbench MPs to raise matters relating to government administration or policy - and to obtain a response from a government minister who must be present during the debate.


How to watch:

The debate can be viewed on Parliament TV (Silverlight or Windows Media Player required to stream TV): Parliament TV Player

Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons are available three hours after they happen in Todays Commons Debates


More information:

If you would like more information about Fuel Prices and the impact on fuel poverty you can read the House of Commons Library Note on Energy Prices (please note the report itself opens as a PDF): Energy prices - Commons Library Standard Note

Thanks
DOT

UKParliament

Hello MSE'ers!

The transcript for the debate on Fuel Poverty is now available should anyone wish to take a look at the issues and topics raised and how the Government Minister responded: Commons Hansard: Westminster Hall Debate 11 February 2014

The recording of the debate is still available to watch on Parliament TV Player

We hope this is of interest
Thanks
DOT