Local Labour campaigners were out in Oldham over the weekend calling for action to tackle increased energy costs. They spoke to hundreds of residents and encouraged them to sign a petition calling for measures calling for action to be taken to tackle rising energy bills. The action came as figures reveal more residents across Oldham Borough are struggling with rising costs of living.

The petition, brought by the Labour Party, is calling for support for Labour’s plan to help households and businesses struggling with rising energy bills. Labour’s plan includes:

  • Removing VAT on domestic energy bills for a year from April 2022

  • Expanding and increasing the Warm Homes Discount

  • Smoothing the costs of supplier failure

  • Creating a contingency fund to support energy intensive businesses or other measures

Oldham’s Council Leader Arooj Shah said “It was so inspiring to see so many people come out and support this campaign which had a great response from local residents. The government urgently needs to step in and take action. Labour’s plan is fully costed and would bring everyone’s energy bills down, providing households and businesses across Oldham Borough with the relief they urgently need.”

Deputy Leader Abdul said “Government figures show that 14,439 households across the Borough are now in fuel poverty, and our own analysis estimates that 40,500 local residents are in food poverty. With many residents already hit by the Universal Credit cut, a National Insurance hike due in April and continuing price rises are not sustainable. I urge anyone who needs help to contact the Council helpline on 0161 770 7007.”

Oldham’s Housing Lead, Cllr Hannah Roberts added “We are getting increasingly worried about the impact of this government’s cost of living crisis on local residents. We are doing what we can to support people who are struggling, despite pressures on the council budget due to government cuts. Becoming a Living Wage employer will help many local residents employed in the care sector on council contracts and rent for council tenants is going up by half the government’s recommendation but the Tory government needs to step up and get living costs under control.”

Labour Party activists meeting at the start of the campaign weekend
Labour Party activists meeting at the start of the campaign weekend
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