NEW FIGURES SHOW BIG RISE IN FUEL POVERTY - STUNELL

12.01.00am GMT Fri 27th Feb 2009

Over 25,000 people in Stockport are living in fuel poverty, more than three times as many as in 2003, according to figures highlighted by local MP Andrew Stunell.

The figures, released today by Consumer Focus show that there are 25,008 people in Stockport living in fuel poverty, up from 8,931 just five years ago. There were also over 150 unnecessary deaths in Stockport in winter 2007, many of them pensioners living in fuel poverty. In the North West, over half a million people are fuel poor, amounting to 18.6% of the population - well in excess of the national average.

Now, Andrew is demanding the Government act urgently to help people struggling to pay their fuel bills and is calling on MPs of all parties to back the Liberal Democrats' Fuel Poverty Bill being introduced by his colleague David Heath MP.

Commenting, Andrew said:

"These new estimates from Consumer Focus are truly shocking. More than one in six households Stockport are in fuel poverty this winter, many of them pensioners.

"The devastating impact of high energy prices has clearly taken its toll. However, fuel poverty can be ended by making homes much more energy efficient.

"I announced plans to do exactly that alongside Simon Hughes last week in Westminster, and David Heath is bringing forward practical proposals to end fuel poverty with his bill.

"As the recession continues to bite, both here in Stockport and across the country, an increasing number of people are being faced with the dreadful choice between heating and eating.

"I call on the Government to take urgent action to help people struggling with high fuel bills, and offer their backing for a bill that will help save many people money, but will also crucially save lives."

ENDS