FIRST UTILITY CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT

Early day motion 992, tabled 24 January 2014 by Robert Halfon (Conservative). Signed by 30 members.

That this House condemns First Utility for charging consumers up to £96 extra per annum for not paying their gas and electricity bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the regulator to review this issue.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, DUP 5, Conservative 4, Liberal Democrat 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1.