Emma has welcomed the announcement by Ed Miliband that One Nation Labour is planning to freeze energy bills until the start of 2017, a move that will help every one of South Shields’ 37,900 households.
Under David Cameron gas and electricity bills for the average household have gone up by £300, at the same time as food prices are rising and wages stagnate.
Emma is also asking people in South Shields to sign a petition calling on the Government to freeze bills now. Emma will be out campaigning in Whiteleas this Saturday, talking to residents about Labour’s commitment to cutting the cost of living and asking for their support in forcing the Government to take action on energy prices now.
Emma said:
“Under David Cameron, Britain’s families are facing a cost of living crisis. Prices have risen faster than wages in 39 of the 40 months that David Cameron has been in Downing Street and energy bills have gone up by almost £300. David Cameron’s failure to tackle rip-off bills has meant that many people are struggling to pay their bills.
“I know how people in South Shields are struggling with the rising cost of living. Many of my constituents have written to me worried about their energy bills, and having to make a choice between heating their homes or buying food.
“When the price of energy increases energy companies pass this on but when it drops consumers don’t see their bills fall.
“David Cameron can’t deal with the cost of living crisis because he stands up for a privileged few, not for ordinary families. David Cameron has cut tax for people on over £150,000 a year while raising it for everyone else.
“Ed Miliband says Labour will freeze prices until the start of 2017 if Labour wins the next election. And he says we will break up the big energy companies so that we can all get a fair deal.
“This will save a typical household £120 and an average business £1,800.
“But people round here need help now. So I’m calling on David Cameron to freeze our bills now. And I’m asking local people to sign my petition today so that the voices of people in South Shields are heard loud and clear in Downing Street”