Eastleigh MP calls on Government to scrap energy bill rise for pensioners stripped of Winter Fuel Payment

Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, Liz Jarvis is calling on the Government to scrap the latest energy bill rise for local pensioners who’ve been stripped of their Winter Fuel Payments. 

This comes as energy regulator Ofgem has today confirmed that the price cap for energy bills is set to rise a further 6.4% from April, the third consecutive quarter where prices have risen. 

Liz Jarvis, the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh says she is really concerned about the impact additional costs will have on elderly and vulnerable residents in her constituency.

Previous Liberal Democrat research has found that nine in ten UK adults are worried about the cost of heating and have changed how they heat their homes this winter, to help keep bills lower.

The Liberal Democrats are also calling for the introduction of an energy social tariff, to protect vulnerable people living in fuel poverty.

Liz Jarvis MP for Eastleigh said: 

“I’m really worried about the impact this latest energy bill rise will have on vulnerable pensioners and families in our community. Pensioners have already suffered enough this winter after the withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Allowance.

“I’ve heard from people who have been forced to choose between heating or eating this winter. Last winter I canvassed an elderly couple whose hands were turning blue, but they were too scared to turn on the heating.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to scrap this latest energy bill rise for pensioners who have had their Winter Fuel Payments scrapped. The government needs to get a grip on energy bills, the least they could do is ensure that bills do not get bigger for those impacted by this cut.”