Eastbourne Lib Dem wants October price rise scrapped

Councillor Josh Babarinde OBE says if the price rise is called off it would save families in Eastbourne £1,715 each year.

The 70 per cent increase in the energy price cap is expected to be announced by Ofgem later this month. Cllr Babarinde wants the government to pay the shortfall to energy suppliers so that they supply customers at the current rates.

If this proposal was approved, there would be a total estimated saving of £77 million for Eastbourne households according to the Lib Dem.

The party says the estimated £36 billion cost should be met by expanding the windfall tax on oil and gas company profits, and using the government’s higher-than-expected VAT revenues as a result of soaring inflation.

The party is calling for more targeted support for vulnerable and low income households. This would include doubling the Warm Homes Discount to £300 and extending it to all those on Universal Credit and Pension Credit, while investing in insulating fuel poor homes to bring prices down in the long term.

Cllr Babarinde said: “Folk across our town are struggling to make ends meet and need a lifeline if they are to get through this frightening hike in energy bills.

“This Conservative government is stalling in the face of a national emergency and, yet again, is simply not doing enough to put money back in the pockets of hard-working people.”

Rather than focusing on the leadership race, Cllr Babarinde wants Tory MPs to ‘fight for local people in Westminster’.

He said: “Countless families and pensioners across Eastbourne are already struggling, and they cannot wait for a new Conservative leader to act. We need urgent action now.”

MP Caroline Ansell said: “I think Eastbourne Liberal Democrat Councillors should urgently release funds from the local cost-of-living support fund they announced three months ago - even though it was a Conservative idea. This is absolutely in their sphere of influence, as they run the council, and it would help.

“Otherwise, this sort of political grandstanding is meaningless.

“Nationally, this party has no power or influence. It can and often does call for any number of things it simply can’t deliver without the need to cost it or face the consequences of a bankrupt country.

“The £37 billion package of support from the government to date is targeted to help the most vulnerable. A first payment went to 15,000 homes in Eastbourne last month and there will be a second payment in October. This is vital support and there will be further support to come.

“I will be making the case for this support for Eastbourne and Willingdon when I meet the new Prime Minister.

“What is also urgent at this point is to connect the potential 1,000 older people across Eastbourne and Willingdon are eligible for pension credit. This benefit is a top up that is worth an average of £3,300. As well as a cash top up to the state pension, it also acts as a passport to other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.

“I would very much appreciate the local Liberal Democrats helping to get this message out too.”

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