Farron backs trailblazing plans to cut energy bills in the South Lakes

Local MP Tim Farron is backing a trailblazing plan that could cut the energy bills of South Lakes households.

South Lakes Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, Cllr Clare Feeney-Johnson, recently launched a scheme aimed to help residents across the SouthLakes by encouraging them to group together to buy their energy needs from one supplier, in an attempt to save them hundreds of pounds on their annual energy bills. By grouping residents together, Clare hopes to increase their purchase power and obtain bigger discounts.

Liberal Democrats nationally are also taking action to tackle high fuel bills - Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced yesterday a landmark deal with the major energy suppliers which will ensure that customers are made aware each year what the cheapest deal is.

Commenting this morning Tim said: "Residents across rural areas like the South Lakes have suffered a great deal from rising energy prices and the boom in the number of tariffs due to our reliance on gas and electricity to help run our homes, particularly during the harsh winters.

"There are still too many people in South Lakeland who face fuel poverty each year and the huge number of tariffs have left many people complete confused and paying far more than they should be. Hopefully this deal with energy companies, added to Clare's fantastic new scheme for South Lakes residents will help to reduce energy bills dramatically.

Cllr Clare Feeney-Johnson further commented: "My aim is to launch the scheme later in the summer with a view to starting in time for winter. Working with energy companies and our community to form a simple, easy to understand transparent scheme will create substantial savings on energy bills. I'm very excited about the benefits this will bring residents across the district. Help and advice will be readily available ensuring everyone has the opportunity to make those much needed savings."

InSouth Lakeland8,108 homes have also benefited from efforts by the Liberal Democrats in Government to reduce bills by increasing home insulation with no extra cost to home owners, and more are expected to receive help under the Green Deal.