ACTION ON RISING ENERGY PRICES
Helen has taken up the issue of rising energy prices with Government Ministers following calls for help from local households and businesses.
Helen said, “Gas prices have risen rapidly in recent months as demand has outstripped supply. The increased costs have hit some businesses hard. I am also very concerned about older people being forced into fuel poverty.”
Helen has been in close contact with a number of companies in her constituency who have temporarily stopped work due to the higher costs. She has raised her concerns with Minister at the DTI and challenged Alan Johnson, the Secretary of State, in the House of Commons - read here.
“I have now taken up the issue with the Treasury, Helen added, “as I am deeply concerned that British companies are not competing on a level playing field with their foreign counterparts. Wholesale gas prices are significantly lower in mainland Europe and this is not sustainable.”
“I have written to the Treasury to see if there are any short-term measures that can be taken to help local manufacturers. I am also calling for new measures to be taken in next week’s Budget to tackle fuel poverty. We need an extension of the excellent Warm Front programme or rises in the Winter Fuel Allowance to protect pensioners.”
Filed under: Uncategorized on March 17th, 2006
