• Call for Winter Fuel Payments Increase

    January 13, 2010

    Although the snow and ice is now beginning to thaw, the cold weather seems set to continue for some time and Jim Barrie, Convenor of Dundee City Council’s Social Work & Health Committee is backing the SNP’s moves at Westminster to demand an increase in cold weather fuel payments to pensioners and vulnerable households.

    Jim Barrie, who is SNP Westminster candidate for Dundee West in the General Election, is aware of warnings by leading charities such as Age Concern and Help the Aged that the existing level of payments is not sufficient to prevent a soaring death rate among older people.

    Councillor Barrie said: “I am aware from speaking to numerous constituents who are facing difficulties due to the prolonged cold weather, that cold weather and winter fuel payments have not kept pace with soaring increases in domestic energy bills.

    “Older people in particular are often reluctant to keep their heating on all day because of concerns about bills.

    “I am pleased that the SNP MPs at Westminster will next week be leading demands for an increase in help for vulnerable households.

    “Fuel poverty is still a serious issue in Dundee and it is right that in Scotland as an energy-rich nation, we support a range of social tariffs from the energy providers and increase government support through Cold weather winter fuel payments.”