| Sadiq supports work to get cancer sufferers out of fuel poverty |
| Friday, 14 January 2011 12:26 |
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Tooting MP Sadiq Khan has raised concerns that the Government’s ‘Warm Home discount’ will not fulfil its promise to protect the ‘poorest and most vulnerable in society’, leaving those most in need out in the cold.
The proposed £1.1 billion ‘Warm Home discount’ scheme, which is currently being consulted on by the government, is aimed at helping the most vulnerable households with fuel bills, by providing grants of up to £130 off their energy bills.
But while the proposals made by the Government are a welcome step forward for residents, there are concerns that the most vulnerable, including cancer patients, will find it difficult to access the funding.
This week Tooting MP Sadiq Khan has written to the fuel poverty Minister Greg Barker asking him to review the scheme and the support it can provide for the most vulnerable cancer patients.
This follows work by Macmillan Cancer Support that has revealed concerns that terminally ill patients (those with six months to live or less) will miss out on the aid they so greatly need under the proposed scheme. Mr Khan agrees that extremely vulnerable patients should receive the rebate automatically, in order to provide patients with a better quality of life.
In his letter, Mr Khan also outlined concerns about the eligibility criteria for the scheme, which could see the most vulnerable patients overlooked by energy companies, who will administer the payments. The current criteria for receiving the support is too wide, meaning that those that are extremely vulnerable are not prioritised, this may lead to energy companies choosing to help those who are easiest to reach.
Sadiq Khan MP said, “Help with paying heating bills is an essential lifeline for many cancer sufferers; we must strive to ensure the most vulnerable receive the support they need to lead a more comfortable life”
“As someone who has lost a relative to cancer, I understand how important it is for patients to remain warm and that they shouldn’t have to worry about bills at a time that is already incredibly stressful for the whole family.”
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