Sarah Votes To Cut Brent Fuel Bills

6.00.00pm GMT Fri 20th Mar 2009

Local MP Sarah voted in parliament to cut fuel bills for the elderly

Local Liberal Democrat Brent MP Sarah Teather has voted in parliament for a mass home insulation programme that would cut fuel bills for needy families in Brent, save lives and help to stop global warming.

The Fuel Poverty Bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP David Heath, would reduce harmful carbon emissions while making it easier and cheaper for the most vulnerable people to keep their homes warm. The Bill is supported by organisations including Age Concern, Disability Alliance, the Child Poverty Action Group and Friends of the Earth.

In Brent East, over 5000 households are living in fuel poverty, representing 15% of households. Last year in Brent, 40 people died because of the cold weather.

Despite this, the failure of Labour and Conservative MPs to support the Bill in parliament means it is now unlikely to become law.

Local Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather said:

"It's a terrible reflection on our society that there are still pensioners who spend their winter wrapped in blankets and huddled around a tiny electric fire.

"No one in Brent should have to choose between keeping their home warm and putting food on the table. By properly insulating our homes we could save the planet, save money on our fuel bills, and even save lives.

"I was deeply disappointed that so few Labour and Conservative MPs turned up in parliament to support such an important Bill. Unless we take action even more elderly people in Brent will die from the cold in the years ahead."

Related Link:

Fuel Poverty Coalition.