Liberal Democrat Councillor Barry Stamp today challenged Stafford Labour MP David Kidney to publicly condemn plans by the Government to ignore its legal duty to end fuel poverty for 3 million vulnerable people by 2010.

Speaking at a meeting of Liberal Democrat's in the town he said, "Cold homes means misery for millions of people. Up to 30,000 excess winter deaths occur every year because of fuel poverty. Fortunately the Government has a legal duty under the Warm Homes Act to end this scandal by 2010 for groups such as the elderly, families with young children and the disabled. However their own watchdog, the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, has advised Ministers that an expected 3 million vulnerable people will still be in fuel poverty by the 2010 deadline. To ensure these people are not left out in the cold 50% more resources are needed, but rather than make these available the Government are planning to cut fuel poverty programme budgets by 15%, which will just make the situation worse! I call on David Kidney our local MP to condemn this disgrace and demand that his Government increases its spending on fuel poverty payments to ensure it meets its legal duty. Many vulnerable people in Stafford will continue to feel the cold if nothing is done. For some, lack of Government commitment to reducing fuel poverty will be a life or death situation," said Counillor Stamp.