Twelve years of Tory austerity, supported by the Lib Dems during the coalition, have hit many local people hard. Now we face a cost of living crisis. Energy bills in particular are soaring, but the government has no proper plan beyond a £200 repayable loan.

We don’t think that’s good enough. That’s why community campaigner Angela Gartside has started a petition, supported by Jeff Smith MP. It calls on the government to back Labour’s plans to keep energy bills low.

Angela said: “No-one should be forced to choose between heating and eating. But that’s a choice facing more and more people in Withington, Ladybarn and South East Fallowfield. That is why I’ve started this petition. We need the government to adopt Labour’s plans to keep energy bills low.”

Jeff said: “I’m backing Angela’s petition. The Tories have failed on both cost of living and on renewable energy. They have no long-term plan. Labour would prioritise renewable energy, make homes warm and well-insulated, and properly regulate the energy market.”

To add your voice to those calling for action to keep our energy bills down, please sign Angela’s petition below.

We the undersigned residents join with Withington Labour in calling on the Government to back Labour’s plans to keep energy bills low.

People have suffered over a decade of austerity. Manchester’s Labour Council has lost over £420m since cuts began in 2010. The Covid-19 pandemic has made the last two years even harder. The Government has failed to regulate the energy market or insulate people’s homes, making many even more vulnerable to rising energy costs. Their measures to deal with rising energy costs are inadequate and will leave people worse off.

No-one should be forced to choose between heating and eating. Labour would prioritise renewable energy, make homes warm and well-insulated, and properly regulate the energy market.