January 11th, 2022.

Lewes Lib Dems release:



Liberal Democrat parliamentary campaigner for Lewes constituency, James MacCleary, has today written to the Secretary of State for Energy, Kwasi Kwarteng, demanding that he backs the party’s call for a 'Robin Hood tax' on the super-profits of oil and gas firms, to raise money to support local families facing soaring energy costs.

The proposed one-off levy could raise over £5 billion to help support families in our area as their energy bills sky-rocket.

The Liberal Democrats say the money raised through this one-off tax could fund a substantial package of emergency support to help thousands of people facing higher bills. James has also called on the government to review the way in which energy companies are taxed in the long term and consider overhauling social security to properly explore ideas like universal basic income to ensure everyone can afford basic needs including heating their homes.

In the meantime, the Lib Dems 'Robin Hood Tax' would include doubling the Warm Homes Discount and extending it to all those receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit, giving 9,643 households in Seaford, Newhaven, Lewes, Polegate and surrounding villages £300 each off their heating bills this year.

The party is also calling for the winter fuel allowance to be doubled, benefitting 13,930 pensioners in the area and helping them keep their homes warm. On top of this, funding would be spent on helping people insulate their homes to slash heating bills in the long term.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary campaigner for Lewes constituency, James MacCleary said: "The government's failure to take steps to confront the cost of living crisis that their own policies have created is shameful. We need urgent and strong action to help people cope with spiralling energy costs. That is why I have written to the Secretary of State on behalf of residents demanding action.

“A one-off Robin Hood tax on gas and oil bosses would provide vital funding to support families in our area who are facing crippling energy price hikes. This must be followed up with a widespread review of how energy companies are taxed to ensure that they are paying their fair share.

"Conservatives like our MP, Maria Caulfield, have buried their heads in the sand and refused to take any steps to address the cost of living crisis. Hard pressed families are seeing costs for basics rising rapidly. The answer from Caulfield and her government colleagues is to increase National Insurance so that working people will have ever-less money available to pay ever-increasing bills.

“The Conservatives cannot be allowed to continue to ignore this crisis that they have created. This one off tax will ensure that, for this winter at least, pensioners and local families can pay their bills. The government cannot look the other way any longer while families struggle to get by.”