By William Mills
In an exclusive interview with the-news.co Brighton Kemptown’s MP Simon Kirby sets out the improvements the Government has insisted on to help people manage their heating costs during the cold snaps ahead.
“What is the Government doing to help pensioners with their fuel bills this winter ?
Mr Kirby said;
“Monies to support the heating bills of pensioners and the most vulnerable have already been identified in the Chancellor’s economic forecasts. I am delighted that the Prime Minister has delivered on his pledge to get consumers the best deal for their energy.
Under the new changes, energy companies will now have to put their customers on the lowest tariff, and suppliers will be limited to four tariffs per fuel. In addition, bills will be made simpler and easier to understand, and poor value “dead” tariffs will be eliminated.
The plans set out will mean all households will get the best deal for their gas and electricity needs no later than summer 2014. However, I can assure you Ministers will be urging energy suppliers to make the changes before they are legally enforced in the Energy Bill.
The energy regulator, Ofgem, has estimated that households could save on average £72 a year by switching to the cheapest deal in the market for their payment method, which will make a real difference to hard-pressed consumers.
This action on energy bills complements the Government’s work to help families with the cost of living, including a freezing council tax for the third consecutive year, and cutting income tax for 25 million of people.”
Simon Kirby MP was elected to Parliament for Brighton Kemptown in May 2010. He lives in Brighton with his family enabling him to identify with his constituents on many issues.
