Gas hikes blow for elderly

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Sep 2005

The Alliance Party has hit out at the huge increase in bills for Phoenix Gas customers which it said was a blow particularly for the elderly and those in disadvantaged areas.

Party spokesman Cllr Tom Campbell said:

"The increase of nearly 30% in the tariff price for Phoenix gas customers represents around £130 extra per year that householders will have to add to their budgets. This is an unacceptable increase which is many times the rate of inflation and cannot be properly justified by reference to the price for the purchase of gas. We welcome the call from the Consumer Council for an urgent financial package to protect vulnerable users."

ENDS