Rye MP calls for profit rich energy companies to help those on low income
Energy companies should use some of their huge profits to lower bills for thos facing hardship says Rye MP Michael Foster.
The MP has said he wants to see bills lowered by 50 per quarter for the most hard up.
He said: "Rising energy prices affect everyone but it's those on the lowest incomes who are paying the heaviest price. There is therefore a need for social responsibility from the energy giants who I believe should be doing more to protect their most vulnerable customers."
The combined profits of the big energy firms have rocketed from 557million in 2003 to over 3billion today.
The MP suggested a portion of these profits should be redirected in social support.
He said: "My proposal is that the energy companies should give a 50 discount on every quarterly fuel bill for people at risk of fuel poverty.
"By that I mean people on low incomes, in receipt of tax credits and pensioners."
Some groups have called for a windfall tax to be levied but Michael Foster argued against this "Forget a windfall tax. Of course extra cash for public services is welcome but directly benefiting those who are struggling must, I think, be the better option."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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