Charlotte MacKenzie

Posts Tagged ‘help for pensioners’

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Great news for Cornwall

In Uncategorized on November 25, 2008 at 12:30 pm

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Truro and Falmouth today welcomed the Chancellor’s pre-budget report as “great news for people in Cornwall”.

Speaking after the Chancellor’s announcements, Charlotte MacKenzie said: “This statement is great news for people in Cornwall. Reducing VAT will help everyone shop more cheaply – it is good news for local retailers and small businesses, and will encourage UK holiday-makers. I’m delighted that the Chancellor is providing more help for over-60s through the decision to increase pensions, pension credit, and the winter fuel allowance. It is good news for families that child benefit and tax credits are increasing, and there will be additional support for people facing job losses or mortgage arrears. With 3000 families on the local housing register, I particularly welcome the fact that investment in social and low cost housing is being brought forward. We cannot put tackling climate change on hold and I am also pleased that £535 Million investment in low carbon developments is being brought forward and an additional £100 Million is being allocated to support home insulation and energy efficiency.

“We are facing a difficult period economically and Labour will do all that we can for jobs and to support those on lower incomes. The Chancellor demonstrated that Labour is providing the economic leadership the country needs to weather the international downturn and turbulence in financial markets. The Tories are divided on how to respond – their candidate here supports tax cuts while their leadership wants Labour to slow down our efforts to stimulate the economy – everybody can see the Tories just lack the experience or capability to form a government.”

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Keeping warm this winter

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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