Commentary
Onzo contributes to Fuel Poverty debate
Onzo’s meeting on fuel poverty that took place as part of the fringe programme at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham on Sunday 28th September was an important contribution to discussion of the issue. It was very well attended, both by delegates to the conference and representatives of numerous NGOs and voluntary organisations, and stimulated a vigorous debate on how to find long-term solutions to the problem to supplement the short-term expedients announced recently.
The speakers were Derek Lickorish, Chairman of the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, and Eddie Hyams, Chairman of the Energy Saving Trust. Stephen Hammond MP, shadow transport minister and Vice Chairman of Citizens’ Advice, responded from the Conservative perspective.
Fuel poverty was one of the most frequently discussed social issues at both the Labour and Conservative conferences. Onzo attended many meetings on the subject and after reflecting on what we heard we have drafted an article setting out what we feel would be the most positive approach. A press release summarizing our arguments can be found in the press section and the full article will be posted here soon.
