One in ten local households left shivering this winter

Over one in ten households in Croydon North are living in fuel poverty.  Figures released by the Department for Energy and Climate Change show there are 5,798 households in the constituency, representing 11.2% of all households, who don’t have enough money to heat their homes this winter.

Croydon North’s Labour MP Steve Reed questioned Energy Secretary Ed Davey about the problem in the House of Commons today.

He said: “There are nearly 6,000 households living in fuel poverty in Croydon North.  According to the Government’s own figures, the gap between their bills and what they can afford has grown to nearly £500.

Given that their energy bills will be going up by another £60 this winter, even after the Government’s changes to green levies, doesn’t this show why nothing less than a price freeze and action to stop these companies overcharging again in the future will do?”

Commenting later, Steve Reed MP said: “The Tory-led Government are letting the cost of living soar out of control.  It’s disgraceful that every tenth home in Croydon North will not be properly heated this winter because of soaring fuel prices.  We live in one of the richest cities in one of the richest countries in the world and yet many of our fellow citizens, including older people and young children, are left to shiver in the cold.”

Labour’s commitment to freeze energy prices for 18 months would save each household, on average, £120 a year.

You can see a copy of Steve’s question here: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/hansard/commons/todays-commons-debates/read/unknown/7/