Greater Manchester MPs call on Government to scrap energy bill rise for pensioners stripped of Winter Fuel Payment

Liberal Democrat MPs for Cheadle and Hazel Grove, Tom Morrison and Lisa Smart, are calling on the Government to scrap the latest energy bill rise for local pensioners who have been stripped of their Winter Fuel Payments.

This comes as energy regulator Ofgem confirmed today that the price cap for energy bills is set to rise by a further 6.4% from April, by over £100 per month, the third consecutive quarter where prices have increased.

Tom Morrison, MP for Cheadle, and Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove, say they are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on vulnerable pensioners across Greater Manchester.

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.

Tom Morrison, MP for Cheadle, said: “This latest energy price rise will be devastating for vulnerable pensioners in our communities who are already struggling to keep their homes warm.

“I’ve spoken to elderly residents who are having to make impossible choices between heating and eating. Stripping them of their Winter Fuel Payments while allowing bills to rise yet again is simply unacceptable.”

Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove, added: “The Government must act now to scrap this unfair energy bill rise for pensioners who have lost out on crucial support.

“With so many people already struggling to pay their bills, the least ministers could do is step in to prevent energy costs from rising even further for those who need help the most.”