Polly has tabled a bill in parliament calling on the government to introduce a ‘social tariff’ on energy bills to protect the poorest and most vulnerable households. The introduction of a social tariff would see energy companies forced to provide a discount on bills for those struggling to pay, protecting them from the impact of rising prices.

In recent years the rising cost of gas, which continues to set national energy prices, has caused household energy bills to increase dramatically, causing significant hardship for millions of households. While the long-term solution was making the switch to cheaper, homegrown renewable energy, Polly wants to see more done to support the most vulnerable households during a particularly difficult time.

Pensioners, disabled people reliant on energy-intensive equipment, and those living in cold, draughty homes would be among those who stood to benefit from the policy.

Launching her campaign, Polly said:

Over the past few years energy bills have continued to skyrocket because the UK’s energy system remains hooked up to volatile international gas markets controlled by dictators like Vladimir Putin.

 

 In a place like East Thanet with old, poorly-insulated homes and above-average deprivation that’s a particularly big challenge. It’s shocking that 15.8% of Thanet households are living in fuel poverty, significantly above the Kent average. 

 

While the government works hard to make the switch to clean, homegrown renewables that will permanently bring bills down, I want to see more done to support the most vulnerable customers through these tough times. That’s why I’m campaigning for the introduction of an energy social tariff that would force energy companies to give discounts to their most deprived customers.