WINTER FUEL POVERTY

That this House recognises the serious problem of fuel poverty in this country, especially amongst older people; is concerned that the excess winter death rate rose by 49 per cent. last year; acknowledges the adverse impact that rising fuel bills are likely to have on the ability of older people to keep warm and healthy; and calls on the Government to support the National Pensioners Convention's call to maintain the winter fuel payment at its current level of 250 for pensioner households where someone is between 60 and 79 years old and 400 for those aged 80 and over.