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Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal DemocratsRepresenting Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Port Talbot, and Swansea |
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Assembly Member highlights the health consequences of fuel poverty
July 24, 2009 12:00 AM
The Welsh Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Peter Black has warned of the impact on the nation's health if action is not taken to combat projected increases in the number of people in Wales likely to be plunged into fuel poverty.
On July 12th, the government's own Fuel Poverty Advisory Group produced a report warning that thousands of families are likely to be pushed into fuel poverty by rising energy prices and increasing unemployment.
Mr. Black said: -
"If people are unable to heat their homes properly this coming autumn and winter, then there is a real danger that there will be an impact upon their health.
"Many will already have been badly affected by the 125% increase in prices that the energy companies have been permitted to get away with by Labour.
"The link between fuel poverty and ill-health is particularly clear for those who are vulnerable because of age or disability and families who will never have experienced fuel poverty before will do so as a consequence of losing a job.
"In addition, scientists are saying that the number of people catching swine flu will grow later in the year. The virus is a mild one, and the vast majority of people recover without any problem.
"However, if we get another cold spell, then being able to heat the home will help to prevent possible complications.
"That is why the government must do more to help vulnerable households, and in particular to force the energy companies to act with fairness when it comes to passing on costs."
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