Charlotte MacKenzie, climate change, Cornwall, fuel bills
In Uncategorized on July 15, 2009 at 9:07 pm
A huge expansion of wind power, home insulation and “smart” electricity meters are among measures being planned by Labour.
Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie has given her support for the Government’s Energy White Paper, which was released on Wednesday.
“I welcome moves to help us cut emissions – it is our responsibility as a country to do our bit.
“But what is vital is that these moves are not just good for the environment. More fairness for bill payers and more jobs in green industries are vital. I am pleased that there will be more help for people to make their homes greener and save money.
“The boost for green industry is good news for jobs in Cornwall – we are the UK’s first low carbon economic area.”
Ed Miliband said:
“I want to thank Charlotte MacKenzie for all the campaigning she has done pushing the government to take action on climate change.
“Our Transition Plan pushes the pace of change. We’re providing new ways of helping people be smarter with the energy they use and enabling UK firms to grow by leading the world in advanced green technologies. We will protect people on low incomes and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels imported from unstable parts of the world.
“I want the UK to be the first major developed country to convert to low carbon living, and the first to reap the benefits. With less than 150 days left until global climate talks in Copenhagen, and with the challenges of coming out of recession, our Transition Plan will build a better, cleaner, greener UK.”
fuel bills, help for pensioners
In Uncategorized on September 23, 2008 at 11:56 am
Fear of big bills should not lead people to turn off the heating when it is needed.
Labour’s candidate for Truro and Falmouth MP wants everyone to keep warm when the winter comes.
Charlotte MacKenzie said “No-one should turn the heating off when it is needed because they are afraid of big bills. There is help available and I want to make sure everyone keeps warm when the winter comes. Everyone over 60 will receive a winter fuel allowance of £250 this year (£400 for over-80s).
“I am pleased that cold weather payments are being increased to £25 a week. Lots of people can remember the Tories refusing to offer this help during freezing weather when Edwina Currie MP told pensioners just to put on a woolly hat.
“Lots of people in Cornwall are eligible for extra help. It doesn’t cost anything to find out whether you are entitled to more help with your bills, or to insulate your home.
“Everyone is entitled to at least 50 per cent off home insulation. More insulation will help to reduce energy use and stop climate change.”
People over-60 and in receipt of housing benefit, council tax benefit, or pension credit are eligible for extra help, as are single parents and people receiving working tax or child tax credits. It is worth contacting your energy supplier to find out whether you can pay less for the energy you use (called a ‘social tariff’ – more information below).
For more information about pension credit contact 0800 00 1234. For more information about warm front contact 0800 316 6011. For more information about a ‘social tariff’ contact your energy supplier.
The 2001 census found that almost one in five homes in the Carrick District Council area did not meet current housing standards. Average wages in Cornwall are only 75 per cent of the UK average.
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