Climate Change Bill's a great step forward
I was very proud to vote for the Climate Change Bill this week. The Bill is the first of its kind across the world and is groundbreaking in it's commitment to halt climate change and positively impact the planet.
A number of measures were brought in that help cut carbon emissions.
When the Bill was first envisioned, the government were aiming for a target of 60 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050.
I, and other MPs, received hundreds of letters and postcards from people who wanted to see a more radical 80 per cent cut by that time.
I am very pleased that the government looked at the situation again and listened to what people wanted. The Bill went through last week with a target of 80 per cent reduction by 2050.
Other measures included making companies report on their emissions (which follows on from the work I did on making companies report on their business activities a couple of years ago) and Carbon Budgets.
From next year, whenever the government introduces a program, it must take into account emissions. If emissions are to increase because of that plan, it must find cuts somewhere else in the economy.
I am glad to have had the opportunity to vote on such a Bill and I am sure that what it contains will help save the environment we live in and reduce the effects of climate change.
Anther step I welcomed last week was the secretary of state for energy and climate change, neighbouring MP Ed Miliband, warning the energy companies to take action on pre-payment energy meters.
There are many people in our area who pay for their energy bills through a pre-payment meter – just because they pay in that way does not mean that they should pay more than everyone else.
In some cases the difference each year could be as much as 30.
I had one constituent say that she tops up the family's gas and it seems like she has to do it again in no time at all.
It is often families on low incomes who have the pre-payment meters and can ill-afford the higher rates.
The energy companies have been warned by the government and if they do not take action, legislation will be brought forward to remedy the situation.
This is something I fully support and I hope that the energy companies take action sooner rather than later. The pre-payment rip-off must stop.
Something that may be able to help with energy bills is switching energy provider.
I have a leaflet on my website, www.jontrickett.org.uk, and available from my office, that lets people know how they can do that and how savings could be made.
Even if you have debts of up to 100 it might still be possible to change.
There is also a national helpline available for people who are having trouble paying their energy bills.
It offers advice on cheaper payment schemes and where to get grants for home insulation. Telephone 0800 336699 for details.
Warm Front can also help with making your home more energy efficient.
They can be found at www.warmfront.com or 0800 3162805. Winter fuel payments should also start to be received in November.
If you would like to get in touch about anything, e-mail JTrickett@jontrickett.org.uk or call 01977 722290 for my office in Hemsworth.
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Weather for Wakefield
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
