The cold poor

[Bar Wench]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6637437.stm

Now don't get me wrong I am all for energy prices coming down however, since when did being unable to pay for something mean that you can have it cheaper? I can't afford to heat my house as I would like in the Winter either. So, corners are cut. More jumpers go on and the blankets come out. Mind you I am at work during the day so I don't have to run the heating 24/7 perhaps if more people were out at work then they could afford their heating with a two pronged strategy. One, they wouldn't need as much, two, THEY COULD SODDING PAY FOR IT THEMSELVES!

If I had any confidence that this would actually only benefit those that are in need of it then I would be all for it. However, I can't help thinking that this is just going to end up another "benefit" for those who swindle the system.

 

[Snoopy]

Tell you what p*sses me off about these energy companies. They all offer a discount if you take both Electricity and Gas from them and pay by Direct Debit. I pay by direct debit but I do not qualify for the ?50 discount because I do not get my gas from them ..... and the reason I don't get my gas from them? There is no gas main within 3 miles of this village so they cannot supply me with the gas although I have told them I am willing to buy from them. Why then should I be effectively penalised? Offwat (or whatever they are called this week) have been asked to investigate ~ they (verbally) agree that in principle I am right and should receive the discount but after a full year of "investigations have yet to reach a judgement.

[Bar Wench]

I refuse to pay by direct debit. Every bill they send us is over estimated by a vast amount! No way am I giving them money and then have to claim it back. 

[Berek]

you wouldnt feel so cold if you covered your bosom up 

[Bar Wench]

Good point. 

[Barman]

But Energywatch says the forthcoming white paper should include an obligation on gas and electricity companies to offer a social tariff. That could mean a 20% price reduction for households on means-tested benefits, but other customers would have to pay a little more.

Or they could spend the money on insulating the paupers homes and checking that they use the energy efficiently instead! 

Nah, too sensible. 

[Snoopy]

Good point. 

Well two good points actually


  Ouch she got me again!

[Snoopy]

But Energywatch says the forthcoming white paper should include an obligation on gas and electricity companies to offer a social tariff. That could mean a 20% price reduction for households on means-tested benefits, but other customers would have to pay a little more.

Or they could spend the money on insulating the paupers homes and checking that they use the energy efficiently instead! 

Nah, too sensible. 

Er ~ They already do that but few take it up because it is means tested.
As I am disabled, live in an old and thus energy wasteful house and am not proud I got my house cavity wall insulated, loft insulated and windows/doors draught proofed three years ago. Reduced heating bills by about 25% .... cost a tad over £2k and didn't cost me a penny. Next week they are fitting a new boiler and oil tank on a £5k grant from the County Council for the same reasons. I may not agree with the principles but if they want to pay then I'm going to damned well take the money. (I shall still vote Tory  )

[Darwins Selection]

But Energywatch says the forthcoming white paper should include an obligation on gas and electricity companies to offer a social tariff. That could mean a 20% price reduction for households on means-tested benefits, but other customers would have to pay a little more.

Or they could spend the money on insulating the paupers homes and checking that they use the energy efficiently instead! 

Nah, too sensible. 

Er ~ They already do that but few take it up because it is means tested.
As I am disabled, live in an old and thus energy wasteful house and am not proud I got my house cavity wall insulated, loft insulated and windows/doors draught proofed three years ago. Reduced heating bills by about 25% .... cost a tad over $2k and didn't cost me a penny. Next week they are fitting a new boiler and oil tank on a $5k grant from the County Council for the same reasons. I may not agree with the principles but if they want to pay then I'm going to damned well take the money. (I shall still vote Tory  )

Why do you pay in dollars?
Sheep I could understand, but dollars?

[Snoopy]

Damned if I know mate .... I can believe I pressed the wrong tit once but twice???
I'll try it out here ?3k or $3k

[Snoopy]

Well that seems to work unless that Wench has her admin spanners out and is playing tricks.
I'll go back and see if I can edit which will make your post look silly but at least mine will make sense.
Every man for himself when the lifeboats are launched

[Misunderstood]

But Energywatch says the forthcoming white paper should include an obligation on gas and electricity companies to offer a social tariff. That could mean a 20% price reduction for households on means-tested benefits, but other customers would have to pay a little more.

Or they could spend the money on insulating the paupers homes and checking that they use the energy efficiently instead! 

Nah, too sensible. 

As a matter of fact that is already in hand.  The National Quality of Housing Standard is being implemented now and should be in place by 2012 guaranteeing minimum standards of social housing, including security, heating, insulation and double glazing.  The enormous cost of this is the major reason why councils all over Britain are getting rid of their housing stocks before having to stump up millions to upgrade them.

[Bar Wench]

So what happens to all the socially inept that they are chucking out then?

[Snoopy]

The Councils create Housing Associations that buy the housing stock from the councils and manage it claiming huge Government and EU grants to do so. These "new" housing providers borrow money against the value of the properties to carry out the improvements, rent the properties to the tenants who have been in them all along, charging them higher rents for the improved properties and giving them forms to claim their rent rebates from ....... the local council who sold them the houses.
It is worthy of note that the displaced Housing Officers from the councils who no longer have a housing stock to manage are normally employed by the Housing Associations.

I think it's called Swings and Roundabouts 

[Barman]

So what happens to all the socially inept that they are chucking out then?

I suppose it is too much to hope that they are being rendered-down to make glue and heating oil for the rest of us?