Usdaw calls for greater access to renewable, cost-effective energy

Addressing delegates in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, Rab Donnelly – Usdaw deputy general secretary said: “At a time when right wing populist politicians, here and around the globe, want to take us backwards on environmental policies, when recognising the urgency of the climate agenda is dismissed by those who would sacrifice our planet for cheap political points, it's more important than ever that we stand up for policies that would protect our environment and that we recognise the impact of these issues on workers' lives, jobs and futures.

“With the climate emergency we are facing, and the huge pressures of energy bills, anything that helps to make homes more energy efficient is welcome and there are funds available to do just that, but the process is convoluted. There are any number of different agencies to deal with the different measures and it's easy to see why so many go unclaimed, year after year. 

“Let's be clear, improving access to these measures would provide practical help, desperately needed help, to thousands of households across the country. It's clear that the system needs tidying up, but there isn't a one size fits all approach to this either. There needs to be better guidance around what support is available and this should be across all platforms.

“Not everyone is confident online, nor do they have the time to spend hours on researching what they might be eligible for. We do expect there to be proper checks as part of the application process. With the money involved, it would be careless of any organisation not to be consistent., but technology is developing at such a rapid rate, that there are opportunities for these organisations and the Government to really streamline the process. A simpler process that works for people will hopefully see an upturn in applications. It will mean more energy efficient homes, savings on energy bills and as I've mentioned, that should mean money back into the pockets of our members. 

“With conflict in the Middle East escalating and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, we can all see how these events affect the prices we pay at the pump and the bills for heating our homes. Once again, low paid workers find themselves at the sharp end of a devastating cost of living crisis and so the challenge for Government is to find a solution.

“A solution that takes back control of our energy security, a solution that harnesses the power of British natural resources, a solution that protects us from the havoc of the global energy markets. Last April, the Labour Government launched the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, it sets out the pathway to a clean power system, aiming to meet the country's electricity demand with energy from clean sources, by 2030.

This was a key part of Labour's manifesto when they came to power at the last general election and now it is a national mission. The plan is expected to unlock investments worth up to forty billion pounds, delivering reindustrialisation, jobs and, essentially for our members, lowering bills. We welcome the plan, but the Government must go further and faster to meet the scale of the challenge. Accessing clean, renewable power is an urgent priority for our country. It will require a cross-agency approach to achieve these aims, with industry leaders, policy makers and trade unions all pushing in the same direction. This is vital for the national and economic security of the nation and it's vital for our members and their families.

“Expanding access to renewable, cost-effective energy must be a priority for the Government, to protect our planet and safeguard our standard of living. There's been important progress by this Labour Government, but we cannot and will not let it slow down.”