6 January 2012
MP Condemns ‘Scandal’ of Children Living in Severe Poverty
Ayr Carrick and Cumnock MP Sandra Osborne today called on the Government to take action over rising energy prices, following new evidence from Save the Children showing that children’s health and wellbeing is being put at risk by rapidly rising energy prices.
Sandra said:
‘Save the Children’s latest report shows that 45% of parents living in severe poverty are cutting back on food in order to pay their energy bills this winter. Almost a third of all parents on lowest incomes have said that they won’t be able to afford their winter energy bills even if they cut back on other essentials.
‘These findings are extremely worrying and I am calling on the Government and energy companies to take urgent action to deal with this scandal. I will be working with Save the Children to lend my support to their campaign which is calling for the Government to support and invest in energy efficient measures as a way to reduce fuel poverty for low income families.
‘I am also calling on energy companies to transfer all prepayment meter customers and all customers in debt on their bills onto the cheapest tariff.
‘Save the Children’s report is published around the same time as an Institute for Fiscal Studies report on poverty and income* showing that families with children are being hit more than four times harder than the average household. So much for David Cameron’s ‘family friendly’ Government! Women and children are paying the highest price under his Government.’
Ends
For further information contact Sandra Osborne MP, 01292 262906
Note:
*Institute of Fiscal Studies report commissioned by the Family and Parenting Institute
MP Condemns ‘Scandal’ of Children Living in Severe Poverty
Ayr Carrick and Cumnock MP Sandra Osborne today called on the Government to take action over rising energy prices, following new evidence from Save the Children showing that children’s health and wellbeing is being put at risk by rapidly rising energy prices.
Sandra said:
‘Save the Children’s latest report shows that 45% of parents living in severe poverty are cutting back on food in order to pay their energy bills this winter. Almost a third of all parents on lowest incomes have said that they won’t be able to afford their winter energy bills even if they cut back on other essentials.
‘These findings are extremely worrying and I am calling on the Government and energy companies to take urgent action to deal with this scandal. I will be working with Save the Children to lend my support to their campaign which is calling for the Government to support and invest in energy efficient measures as a way to reduce fuel poverty for low income families.
‘I am also calling on energy companies to transfer all prepayment meter customers and all customers in debt on their bills onto the cheapest tariff.
‘Save the Children’s report is published around the same time as an Institute for Fiscal Studies report on poverty and income* showing that families with children are being hit more than four times harder than the average household. So much for David Cameron’s ‘family friendly’ Government! Women and children are paying the highest price under his Government.’
Ends
For further information contact Sandra Osborne MP, 01292 262906
Note:
*Institute of Fiscal Studies report commissioned by the Family and Parenting Institute