Kirsty pledges support to 'freeze out cancer fuel poverty' (Kirsty Williams AM )

Cymraeg
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Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

Kirsty pledges support to 'freeze out cancer fuel poverty'

February 26, 2009 12:00 AM

Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, is backing the Macmillan Cancer Support campaign to freeze out fuel poverty for Cancer patients.

Kirsty said: "The Government has pledged to end fuel poverty among all vulnerable households in Wales by 2010. But they are failing to reach those who need support. Cancer patients who are struggling financially, but have been ill for less than a year or do not receive the Disability Living Allowance, do not qualify for help under the Home Energy Efficiency scheme. I think this is grossly unfair.

"Fuel Bills are often higher for cancer patients as they spend more time at home during recovery, and the effects of the treatment can weaken their immune system meaning that they feel the cold more, this can result in greater fuel use to stay warm. Which in turn leads to higher bills at a time when they may already be struggling to cope with a reduced income. Seven out of ten cancer patients of working age suffer an average reduction of 50%.

"The Government will not meet its own target by 2010, or anytime after, if it does not take action now to properly address the needs of Welsh cancer patients struggling to pay their fuel bills."

Kirsty has written to the Minister for Sustainability and Housing, who is responsible for tackling fuel poverty, calling on the Assembly Government to take action to assist caner patients suffering from fuel poverty.

Kirsty has also pledged her support to the Freeze out fuel Poverty online, and is calling for others to do the same at: www.macmillan.org.uk

Notes:

Macmillan support has found that two thirds of cancer patients who are struggling financially say that paying fuel bills is their biggest money worry.