Woking MP calls on Government to scrap energy bill rise for pensioners stripped of Winter Fuel Payment

Will Forster, Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, is urging the Government to scrap the latest energy bill hike for pensioners who have been stripped of their Winter Fuel Payment.

Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap for energy bills is set to rise a further 6.4% from April – the third consecutive quarterly rise.

Mr Forster says he has been contacted by many Woking residents who are deeply concerned about the impact this could have on vulnerable pensioners across the area.

Research by Liberal Democrats has found that nine in ten UK adults are worried about the cost of heating and have changed how they heat their homes in an attempt to lower bills this winter.

The Liberal Democrats are also calling for the introduction of an energy social tariff, to protect vulnerable people living in fuel poverty.

Will Forster, MP for Woking, said:

“This latest energy bill rise is the last thing pensioners in Woking need right now. Many are already struggling, and for those who have lost their Winter Fuel Payment, the situation is even worse.

“I’ve spoken to people who have had to make the impossible choice between heating and eating this winter. That is utterly unacceptable.

“The Government needs to get a grip on energy prices. At the very least, it should stop bills from going up for pensioners who have had their Winter Fuel Payments scrapped."