From: Fuel Poverty Action @FuelPovAction
Under the awful cloud of the coronavirus priorities are being swiftly reassessed. What has always been considered impossible is now being seen as necessary and simple justice. We are losing a lot, but healthcare, having enough to eat, and a safe warm home are basics to which we are all entitled. Who would have thought we’d hear talk of requisitioning private hospitals for the NHS, hotels for the homeless, or a “moratorium” on bills?
With bills, we need to make sure there is more than a postponement, as people’s costs soar and incomes vanish. We need the security of knowing that we can afford to keep our homes warm and well lit without fear of unpayable debts in the future. With the price of oil falling internationally, there is no excuse for anyone being left cold.
The government and energy suppliers have negotiated an agreement that offers some major relief — including “no disconnections”. But what it will mean in practice is very unclear. It all seems to depend on the customer’s negotiations with the supplier.
Will you sign the petition to tell the government and suppliers to make sure their promise to support customers in need becomes a reality?
This won’t happen without prominent publicity of the support available, guarantees of bill reductions to what people can afford, and immediate free credit for prepayment meter customers so that they don’t have to wait in the cold while they apply and negotiate with suppliers. And more — see the petition!
Fuel poverty in the UK kills over 9,000 people a year in normal times. Many people ration their gas and electricity tightly, and can’t afford to pay more while self-isolating. Most people’s homes are not well insulated. Older and disabled people are even more at risk from the virus in cold homes.
Please, sign the petition to make sure that everyone who needs it is supported to keep the lights and the heating on.
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Alok Sharma is the correct spelling for the minister’s name.