Fuel Poverty

Published 9 Dec 2009 12:00

FOLLOWING two successful meetings in Clydebank, the Campaign Against Poverty intends to widen the campaign to involve local community groups as well as individuals facing fuel poverty.

Recent figures indicate that an astonishing 850,000 Scottish households spend up to 35 per cent of their income on gas and electricity.

Due to unemployment and the current recession an additional 1,000 people per week are being put on pre-payment meters.

These rip-off meters can lead to cut-offs once the £5 emergency top-up is used.

This is completely unacceptable in the 21st Century.

Scotland has an abundance of oil, gas and electricity - so much of it that we export it to other countries.

The Fuel Poverty Campaign is quite simple - extend the National Winter Fuel Payment of £250 to everyone under 60 who is on benefits or low wages.

Furthermore, we want an end to the exploitation of pre-payment meter, so no human being is left freezing at home.

We expect 100 per cent support for our campaign from our elected representatives in Westminster and the Scottish Parliamen.

There will be further meeting after New Year to involve them.

A follow-up public meeting will be held on Thursday December 10 in Dalmuir CE Centre from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

All those facing fuel poverty are welcome.

Ann Lynch, Campaign 250 secretary, Clydebank

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