Over 60,000 people in Newcastle could be helped with heating bills by Liberal Democrats' "Robin Hood tax" on energy giants' super-profits
Newcastle's Liberal Democrats are backing their party's proposals for a "Robin Hood" tax on energy giants to support families with heating bills - which could bring £20 million to well over 60,000 people in the city
The Liberal Democrats are pressing the Secretary of State for Energy Kwasi Kwarteng to backs the party's call for a "Robin Hood" tax on the super-profits being made by oil and gas firms, to help local families who are facing soaring energy costs.
The proposed levy could raise over £5 billion nationwide this year.
"The money raised through this "one-off" tax could fund a substantial package of emergency support to help thousands of people facing higher bills, " said Cllr Robin Ashby, who speaks for Newcastle Liberal Democrats on business matters.
"This would include doubling the Warm Homes Discount and extending it to all those receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit, giving nearly 45,000 households in Newcastle £300 each off their heating bills this year."
The party is also calling for the winter fuel allowance to be doubled, benefitting nearly 18,000 pensioners in the City and helping them keep their homes warm. On top of this, there'd be a £ half billion fund to help people insulate their homes to slash heating bills in the long term, as well as contribute to reducing emissions as we move towards net carbon zero.
"It can't be right that a few energy firms are making billions from record gas prices while people can't even afford to heat their homes as the cost of living crisis hits local people hard, " said Cllr Ashby.
"A one-off Robin Hood tax on gas and oil businesses would provide vital funding to support families who are facing crippling energy price hikes.
"For years the Conservatives have ignored this problem and failed to take the bold action we need to reduce fuel poverty. The Government cannot look the other way any longer while families struggle to get by."