Government must tackle root causes of fuel poverty

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 24th Oct 2007

The Liberal Democrats today released figures showing that the Winter Fuel Allowance now only covers 36% of the average winter fuel bill, compared with almost two thirds in 2003.

The Winter Fuel Allowance is designed to cover the cost of pensioners' winter heating costs, but because rises in energy prices have not been matched by a rise in the Winter Fuel Allowance, many pensioners have been left struggling to pay their bills.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Danny Alexander MP said:

"This is just another example of Labour hoping that no one will notice that pensioner benefits have been significantly devalued.

"Whether it is delaying restoring the link between pensions and earnings, massively increasing means-testing or capping the state second pension, ministers have shown a callous disregard for the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of society.

"As energy prices continue to rise it is essential that the Government takes effective action to tackle the root causes of fuel poverty and doesn't just attempt to lessen its effects. Increased energy efficiency will stem the tide of rising bills and ensure that even the poorest pensioners can keep their house warm for the whole year."