Today the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero have committed to cut energy bills in private rented homes, tackle fuel poverty and keep money in working people’s pockets.
The Government has pushed for landlords to meet energy efficiency standards rather than make renters fit the bill. This initiative will save renters £240 a year on average on their energy bills, and lift up to half a million households out of fuel poverty, as they will not have to spend so much heating cold, draughty homes.
High energy costs contribute to a situation where lower income households can’t afford to heat their homes. This can have huge knock on health effects, with cold homes presenting health risks particularly to those most vulnerable in society. Being able to heat your home in the winter should not be a luxury reserved for the richest in our society – everyone deserves a warm, decent home.
In Oldham, 15% of households currently present as living in fuel poverty, and this is a figure I am committed to driving down to ensure decent homes and fair renters rights across our borough. I will continue to work with the Government and local businesses to tackle fuel poverty head on, and ensure everyone in Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton has a decent home.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 