Bishop Martin has raised concerns in the House of Lords for vulnerable families suffering from fuel poverty - and says that Suffolk families are having to choose between eating or eating as he presses the Government to do more to help those in need.
Speaking as a member of the House of Lords, Bishop Martin, highlighted concerns that vulnerable families may not be able to access information about where they can get help and support with paying fuel bills. Bishop Martin raised these concerns during questions in the House of Lords on Tuesday 31January about helping vulnerable households with energy costs and the role of Ofgem in delivering affordable energy.
Bishop Martin told peers he was voicing concerns raised by clergy and churches in Suffolk who are at the front line of helping people in Suffolk.
He said, "one of the biggest challenges that vulnerable households are facing as they try to pay their energy bills is accessing information, particularly when it is available only online."
Bishop Martin asked for assurances from the Government that information should be available in different ways, not just online, because those needing help with bills often have limited or no online access. He further asked the Government to consider partnering with other service providers such as foodbanks to ensure those who needed help with fuel costs could easily access the information they needed.
Afterwards Bishop Martin added: "when we know families in Suffolk have to choose between heating or eating, we need to do all we can to make sure those who are struggling with fuel bills get all the support they can."
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