Kirsty backs Campaign to end Fuel Poverty in Wales (Kirsty Williams AM )

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

Kirsty backs Campaign to end Fuel Poverty in Wales

December 10, 2009 12:00 AM

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has added her support to a new campaign to eradicate fuel poverty in Wales.

People are considered to be fuel poor, if they spend more than 10% of their income - a situation that affects one in four households in Wales.

Kristy Williams said: "The National Energy Agency estimates that around 340,000 households will face fuel poverty this winter. Fuel Poverty is a very real problem for too many low income and elderly people across Wales.

"I'm backing the fuel poverty charter, because it's a major concern that so many people in Wales are spending so much of their money on heating their homes.

"I know from talking to constituents the devastating effect a cold home can have on a person's health and quality of life. I want to work with the organisations that have come together to produce this charter so that together we can wipe out fuel poverty in Wales."

Kirsty added: "The Welsh Liberal Democrats believe that extending the Winter Fuel Payments to those on income support, or those who receive a premium for disability or long-term sickness, would help alleviate fuel poverty, so that families in Wales do not have to choose between heating or eating this winter."

The Charter calls for:

1. A detailed action plan setting out how and when fuel poverty will be eradicated in Wales;

2. Support for all fuel poor households to stay warm - until fuel poverty is eradicated;

3. A co-ordinated and united approach across the statutory sector (at UK and Wales level) that involves partners from the private, voluntary and community sectors in Wales.