Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust

Following a campaign by the Trust, Government Ministers have promised local MPs John Bercow and David Lidington that action is being taken to cut fuel bills for many of the poorest people in Bucks…

Matthew Applegate, Chief Executive of the Trust, is very pleased with the outcome. He said
“It was very satisfying that local MPs John Bercow and David Lidington agreed with us (about the high costs), and took up our cause. With their help, we have been able to effect change that will make a huge difference to our vulnerable residents, and others throughout the country”. 

In July 2009 more than 1300 of our residents signed a petition urging ministers to abolish the premium charges that applied to prepayment meters for electricity and gas. The Vale’s two MPs were shocked by the stories of residents unable to heat their homes properly because they simply couldn't afford to pay the bill. They promised to act to end this injustice, using the petition to demonstrate the strength of feeling.

On March 10, the two Vale MPs met Energy Minister David Kidney and Housing Minister John Healey in Speaker's House at Westminster and presented the Ministers with the petition. 

The Ministers acknowledged that there had been a vigorous campaign by tenants and said that they had now secured a change in the regulations to forbid the six big energy suppliers (accounting for well over 90% of the market) imposing a premium charge on a prepayment meter. The only additional charge allowed would have to reflect the actual cost of installing and operating the meter.

John Bercow said: "Energy companies should offer the lowest possible rate to vulnerable households and I am encouraged by what ministers have said today".

David Lidington said: "This is a victory for common sense and for the campaign by hundreds of residents in Bucks and many more throughout the country. I hope that people with prepayment meters are now starting to see a cut in their fuel bills.