The Liberal Democrats are calling for a new emergency home insulation programme over the next six months, to help those being plunged into fuel poverty by soaring energy prices.
Average annual energy bills will rise to £1,971 today (Friday 1st April), and are expected to increase to around £2,800 when the price cap is reviewed again on the 1st October.
The Liberal Democrats have also called for a windfall tax on oil and gas companies to help kick start a home insulation programme, as well as doubling the Winter Fuel Payment and the Warm Home Discount, while expanding it to more households.
The Conservatives last attempt at a home insulation programme, the Green Homes Grant, ended in failure after just six months following low take up and mismanagement by the US-based company appointed by Tories to oversee the programme.
Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse MP said: “The Conservatives are sitting on their hands while people’s energy bills go through the roof.
“The meagre support announced by the government so far will barely make a dent in the eye-watering increase to people’s energy bills. It is a pitiful response to the cost of living crunch facing families around the country.
“We need an emergency insulation plan, to fix leaky homes and slash people’s bills before the next price hike in October. That should be accompanied by a massive boost in support for struggling families, funded through a windfall tax on the super profits of oil and gas companies.”