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Brown unveils fuel poverty package
Thursday 11th September 2008, 10:39AM BST.
Gordon Brown has unveiled the government’s £1 billion energy efficiency strategy.
He told journalists at Downing St that every household would be offered up to 50 per cent off loft and cavity wall insulations, part-funded by energy firms.
“The plans are for six million households to be insulated by 2011,” the prime minister said.
Mr Brown added that in the advent of a severe winter then fuel payments to pensioners would double.
“In truth we all know we need a lasting change,” the prime minister said of the plans.
“We need permanent changes that can save money. The new announcements are worth £1 billion and aimed at a permanent reduction in bills.
“There are two million households still with pre-payment meters and we are committed to ensuring that those do not face higher tariffs.”
Lobby groups are keen for the government to maintain a hard line with energy firms, after Mr Brown ruled out a windfall tax punishing them for heavy profits.
The ‘big six’ energy companies in the UK have raised prices by as much as 35 per cent in 2008, despite seeing profits rise rapidly in the last five years.
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