John Milne: Save families in Horsham from £500 energy bill rise in April

Far from increasing prices, this would allow us to cut people's bills and offer a new energy support package for businesses, leisure centres, schools and hospitals across Horsham. 

The Liberal Democrats plans would mean that in Horsham the average household would be £514.61 better off. In total Horsham would save a huge £30,180,995.

The government’s plan to remove the price guarantee will be a “hammer blow” to families and businesses. Action is needed now to save people from a “cost of living cliff-edge.”

Nationally, the Liberal Democrats have set out their plan to tackle the energy crisis including: 

• A windfall tax on oil and gas companies to raise billions of pounds
• A cancellation of the Governments £500 energy bill rise in April 
• A one-off bonus tax on oil and gas executives
• Doubling the Warm Homes Discount to £300.
• A U-turn on plans to slash energy bill support for businesses, leisure centres, schools and hospitals by 85%, and instead extend current levels of support for another six months.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson John Milne for Horsham, said: 

“The Conservatives’ plan to hike energy bills in April will come as a hammer blow to families in Horsham already struggling with soaring mortgages and rents, shopping bills and tax rises. 

“This isn’t just about showing humanity. It’s also vital for our national economy. What chance is there of achieving the growth the government keeps talking about, if millions of ordinary people are mired in debt? They just don’t get it.

“To add insult to injury Rishi Sunak is happy for energy bosses to rake in millions of pounds in bonanza bonuses, while families struggle to put food on the table or heat their homes.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey added:

“Rishi Sunak must act now to save families from a cost-of-living cliff edge, by cutting energy bills instead of increasing them. People deserve a fair deal - with a large cut to their energy bills, paid for by a proper windfall tax and a one-off levy on the bonuses of oil and gas bosses.”