MPs will take government 'to the line' over fuel poverty says 10p tax rebel

Last Modified: 28 Aug 2008
By: Bridgid Nzekwu

Former minister Frank Field warns of an MPs' revolt if the government does not tackle fuel poverty which is hitting the vulnerable.

Field told Channel 4 News that there was now a group of MPs who would be prepared to take the government "to the line" to protect the poorest.

Today this programme revealed just what fuel poverty means for the severely disabled.

One man has told us how he is cutting back on food to pay for heating, terrified that if the money runs out and the temperature drops, he might die.

While all elderly people, even rich ones, get £200 to £400 from the state specifically for their winter fuel bills, the disabled get nothing earmarked for their heating.

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Watch the Frank Field interview

Channel 4's Generation Next season is promoting new talent on TV throughout August.

About the producer

Sarah Spendiff completed the NCTJ at Brighton City College and has had some experience of print journalism.

She lives in Brighton with her son Sam, husband Vinnie and puppy Coco.