Heating or Eating - the harsh choice this winter

9.00.00am GMT Sat 26th Dec 2009

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson Robin Lawrence

Here in the West Midlands 3,400 older people died from the cold last year. That's 900 more than in the previous year. Soaring heating bills are hitting everyone in Wolverhampton but local pensioners are being hit the hardest.

Wolverhampton South West's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Robin Lawrence said "I think it's a disgrace that some people have to live like this. I believe that everyone in our community should be able to heat their home. Both Labour and Tory governments have failed to tackle this important issue."

Earlier this year the Liberal Democrats fought to bring in a new law to get help to those who need it most. The law would have helped everyone heat their homes, without worrying about huge heating bills. The Liberal Democrats plans were even backed by charities like Help the Aged and Age Concern. Most Labour and Conservative MPs didn't even bother to vote. Their failure means the most vulnerable people in our community now face another winter unable to heat their homes.

The Liberal Democrats are campaigning for real change for older people, starting with action to cut heating bills. Under Liberal Democrats plans, the energy companies would foot the bill, meaning the tax-payer wouldn't pay a penny.