Local and national action on energy bills
Posted by Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, at 12:54, Fri 21 December 2012:
Winter is the most expensive time of the year when it comes to energy bills and many families struggle to meet the rising costs of heating the home. There is help out there but the problem is, most people don’t know about it.
That is why I produced a booklet designed to help constituents save money whilst staying warm this winter. The guide - called ‘How to save money on your energy bills’, produced with support from tadea, an organisation with expertise in helping to save energy, gives advice on what you can do to reduce your energy bills.
Research from the Home Heat Helpline has revealed that many households in Harrogate and Knaresborough could get help with fuel bills and that is why my guide also gives information on financial support available to customers who have difficulty paying bills.
I have seen first-hand how the right help and information can benefit people in my constituency. Recently I visited Alan Courtman and his wife, Susan who have been helped by the warmth scheme Health through Warmth.
Alan has Parkinson’s disease and diabetes and Susan was left partially paralysed after a brain haemorrhage, so both spend a great deal of time at home.
When their boiler broke down, they were left without heating because they were unable to afford a replacement. So Alan turned to Harrogate Borough Council’s Home Improvement Agency to find out if help was available, before their help was put at greater risk. The agency arranged the installation of a new boiler with funding help from different organisations.
At this time of year, it is good to know that help is on hand for vulnerable people and that is why it is important to raise awareness so that more people can receive support.
Recently the Government announced that energy suppliers will be forced to offer their customers the best deals.
Under the Government's new proposals: • Energy companies will be limited to four tariffs per fuel. • They will have to make bills simpler for customers to understand, and outline personalised information on their cheapest tariff. • Households will be moved onto the cheapest tariff under their supplier that suits them.
With over £300 difference between the cheapest and the most expensive tariffs on the market, this news would make a significant difference to local people in our area.
My energy guide is available in various public buildings, online and from my office for anyone who wants their own copy.
Just send me an email at andrew.jones.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 01423 529614 for your free copy. Can I also take this opportunity for wishing you and your family all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
Andrew Jones MP, 01423 529614, www.andrewjonesmp.co.uk @AndrewJonesMP
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Posted by Jeremy Allott, 09:53, Wed 23 January 2013: (Is this post abusive?) #
Dear Mr Jones,
I would like to express my concern about this mornings news that the conservative party plans on calling a referendum on whether or not we should be in or out of Europe.The E.U. is unergoing many problems, they may of got things wrong, but if you are a member of a club you dont resolve it by walking out or threatening to do so. We are part of Europe and I want to remain part of it. It would be suicide to go it alone, we would be a minnow in a shark pool. America wants us in there working for them as we tend to do.Your party wants Scotland to remain part of the U.K. which is about been stronger together and yet on the other hand you want to cut or reduce ties with Europe, probably where we do the majority of our trading. It does not make sence. Polotics is getting in the way of common sence. I look forward to your responce.
With kind regards
Jeremy Allott