- Conference
- 2016 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 2 February 2016
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that in 2010 the winter fuel allowance was reduced by 25% for people for people aged over 80 and by 33% for people under 80 years of age. Furthermore the reduced payment has been frozen since that time.
Conference further notes that:
1)To mark Fuel Poverty Awareness Day (27 February) the National Energy Action group published a report “A Manifesto for Warmth” which warned that at least 100,000 householders could die needlessly across the UK by 2030 due to an inability to heat their homes adequately. 75% of those affected will be pensioners which will include UNISON Retired Members;
2)The report also claims the NHS could be left with a £22 billion bill for treating cold related illnesses. Jenny Saunders Chief Executive of National Energy Action stated that Fuel Poverty Awareness Day was a wake up call on the need to end the cost and suffering caused by cold homes in the UK;
3)In the recent spending review, the Chancellor cut the number of homes benefiting from subsidised insulation and more efficient boilers from 400,000 to 200,000;
4)The Treasury will receive an estimated £28 billion in taxation on energy bills over the next decade.
Conference believes that there should be more support for the Energy Bill Revolution Campaign to eradicate fuel poverty.
Conference therefore calls on the National Executive Council to:
a)Work with other trade unions and other appropriate bodies and groups including the National Pensioners’ Convention to campaign for an increase in the winter fuel allowance;
b)Support the Energy Bill Revolution Campaign;
c)Raise awareness amongst UNISON members of the impact of fuel poverty.
