§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with Energywatch on measures to help elderly consumers develop a greater understanding of their rights in relation to energy companies. [138674]
§ Mr. TimmsI have discussed with Energywatch some of its proposals to assist vulnerable consumers, including the elderly. Energywatch is committed to making its information and advice services fully accessible to all consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers. It provides information, advice and guidance direct to those consumers in their own communities, helping them be more assertive and confident in dealing with energy companies. Energywatch also works with other agencies to reach elderly and other vulnerable consumers. Its activities in areas such as fuel poverty, debt prevention and management, energy efficiency and promoting access to the competitive market directly benefit elderly consumers, as do its campaigns on mis-selling, erroneous transfers and billing and metering.