Southern and Scottish price rise - UNISON response

UNISON, the UK’s largest union, today reiterated its call for the government to take action to tackle fuel poverty, as Scottish and Southern Energy became the third major UK energy supplier to announce double digit price increases. http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=2377

Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said:

“5.5 million households are already locked into the misery of fuel poverty, and this round of price increases will only make matters worse. But just as families need action from the government to protect them, they are being left out in the cold.

“This government is drastically cutting, then shutting down the Warm Front Scheme. This scheme helps families make their homes more energy efficient – our only real hope of easing fuel poverty. It must be brought back to life, along with a package of measures to end this misery.

“Let’s nail the lie that we are all in this together. Whilst bankers are still getting £14billion in bonuses in a year, those at the bottom are seeing the help they need being taken away.”