Clear information key to helping people with fuel bills (Aberdeen North Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen North Liberal Democrats <anne.carmichael@btinternet.com>

Clear information key to helping people with fuel bills

December 22, 2008 11:29 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Energy spokesperson Liam McArthur has revealed that average fuel bills increased by almost £200 over six years, but figures for 2007 and 2008 are not yet available.

Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that in April 2000, the annual average fuel bill in Scotland was £810 and by April 2006, this had increased to £1,000. Figures for 2007 and 2008 are not available yet.

Mr McArthur has called on the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government and energy companies to make it easier for households to understand which energy schemes they can apply for to help cut fuel bills.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"If annual fuel bills rose by almost £200 in 2006, I dread to think about how much they will have gone up when figures for this year are published.

"Some householders will face a stark choice this winter between eating and heating. It's simply not good enough that people still face this choice in modern Scotland.

"There are schemes out there to help families make their homes more energy efficient, which would cut fuel bills. Given these figures, families need all the help they can get to pay for gas and electricity.

"Both the Scottish and UK Governments have schemes in place to improve energy efficiency and help vulnerable households with fuel bills. Energy companies have also signalled their intent to help their individual customers save money, though more still needs to be done.

"While all this help is welcome, it is easy to see how householders may become confused about which schemes they should apply to. Such confusion will inevitably lead to people deciding not to apply for insulation, central heating or other types of support.

"All organisations working to help Scots cope with rising fuel bills, including both governments, need to cooperate. It is vital that clear information and advice is made available if good intentions are to lead to good outcomes."