Local Liberal Democrat MPs call on Government to scrap energy bill rise for pensioners stripped of Winter Fuel Payment

The Liberal Democrat MPs for Mid Sussex and Lewes are calling on the Government to scrap the latest energy bill rise for local pensioners who’ve been stripped of their Winter Fuel Payments.  

This comes as energy regulator Ofgem has today confirmed that the price cap for energy bills is set to rise a further 6.4% from April, the third consecutive quarter where prices have risen.

Alison Bennett, MP for Mid Sussex, and James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, say they are really concerned about the impact this could have on vulnerable pensioners in their constituencies.

Previous Liberal Democrat research has found that nine in ten UK adults are worried about the cost of heating and have changed how they heat their homes this winter, to help keep bills lower.

The Liberal Democrats are also calling for the introduction of an energy social tariff, to protect vulnerable people living in fuel poverty.

Alison Bennett, MP for Mid Sussex said:  “James and I are really worried about the impact this latest energy bill rise will have on vulnerable pensioners and families in Lewes and Mid Sussex.

“We have heard from people who have been forced to choose between heating or eating this winter. Soaring heating bills are a real challenge for Sussex pensioners who have had their Winter Fuel Payments slashed by the Labour government.  

James MacCleary, MP for Lewes explained:  “The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to scrap this latest energy bill rise for pensioners who have had their Winter Fuel Payments scrapped. The government needs to get a grip on energy bills. The least they could do is ensure that bills do not get bigger for those impacted by this cut.”