News from Southampton Labour

Whitehead celebrates end of the prepay meter rip-off

Last week Labour MP for Southampton Test Alan Whitehead celebrated the successful end of the high-profile campaign for an end to the prepayment meter rip-off for the poorest energy customers. Dr Whitehead has been campaigning on this issue for many years, including holding an adjournment debate in 2007, asking questions in Parliament, and publicly supporting the National Housing Federation’s campaign for the repeal of prepayment charges.

The announcement by British Gas that it will no longer charge a premium to its gas prepay meter users means that all of the “big six” UK energy suppliers, British Gas, EDF, e.on, npower, Scottish and Southern Energy and Scottish Power have now scrapped the premium.

Speaking from Westminster, Dr Whitehead commented: “I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this long-running campaign conducted by the National Housing Federation, along with many Members of Parliament, Housing and Residents associations, and other campaigners against fuel poverty. It represents a real victory for the poorest energy consumers.”

He added: “Over the last few years, all of the big energy firms, except for Scottish Power, have charged prepayment meter customers more for their gas and electricity than anyone else – even though they are from low income backgrounds. This ground-breaking campaign has changed all that. Almost one million people, many of whom are on lower incomes, will now find it easier to pay their energy bills and heat their homes. As a member of the committee for the Energy Bill currently making its way through parliament I will be doing my best to make this change permanent and protected by law.”

Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation David Orr thanked Alan Whitehead for championing the campaign:

“We are extremely grateful to Alan Whitehead MP who has been calling for an end to this injustice for years. His tireless campaigning has helped ensure that prepay energy customers don’t pay a penny more than those who pay via a quarterly bill. This success will save some households over £100 a year.”

Other news from Southampton Labour

• Water bills hiked as Southampton Council and Southern Water waste public money - 2 February 2012
• Southampton Labour MPs urge constituents to claim free heating and insulation help - 1 February 2012
• Welfare changes hit poorest areas in Southampton hardest - 1 February 2012