HEATING PROGRAMME FOR PENSIONER HOUSEHOLDS

Early day motion 1872, tabled 3 November 2004 by Alan Simpson (Labour). Signed by 58 members.

That this House notes that oil and gas producers will derive massively inflated profits, estimated at an additional ú5 billion per year, as a result of unprecedentedly high oil prices; expresses its concern over the impact of both past and future domestic energy price increases to households, which struggle to pay for the fuel they need to maintain a warm and healthy indoor environment; recognises that many of the households worst affected by high fuel prices will be elderly, on a low fixed income and living in properties that are inadequately heated and insulated; advocates a new tax on members of the UK Offshore Operations Association to fund a major programme to protect these households from the windfall profits that will accrue as a result of hyper-inflated gas and oil prices; and urges the Chancellor of the Exchequer to take urgent action.

Signatures by party: Labour 36, Liberal Democrat 12, Labour/Co-operative 5, Conservative 2, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.