On 31st March, the pause in the installation of prepayment meters by warrant will end. The appalling treatment of prepayment meter customers, who are among the most financially vulnerable people in the UK, is a national scandal. Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator has fundamentally failed in its role to protect vulnerable energy users and while … Continue reading Who is standing up for prepayment meter households? An open letter
Category: Uncategorized
The smoke and mirrors of the energy price cap
As someone who thinks they are reasonably savvy on consumer issues and does a fair bit of research before deciding on anything, I think I have just made a significant error in choosing my latest energy tariff*. However, before I get into the details of that error, having looked further into the issues around the … Continue reading The smoke and mirrors of the energy price cap
Rishi dishes out cold cuts in budget
Like much of government policy these days, most of the budget was leaked out to the press well before the Chancellor stood up in the House of Commons to deliver his hour long speech setting out his tax and spending plans for the next few years. Sunak has a slick operation, ably assisted by a … Continue reading Rishi dishes out cold cuts in budget
How the rail industry’s access map lost its way – and how to get it back on track
*** Update 5th March 2021 *** Following the publication of this blog Northern have been in touch and have now amended the descriptions of the stations mentioned below. However, a brief look at other stations across the Northern franchise reveals numerous examples of inaccurate information and there remains much to be done across this and … Continue reading How the rail industry’s access map lost its way – and how to get it back on track
Central Beds Council – on the right track to net zero carbon?
The current pandemic has presented numerous challenges at a local, national and global level. Whatever you think about the government's actions in relation to the virus, it has been heartening to see how communities have pulled together and looked out for one another. However, with climate change an even larger crisis looms, and as well … Continue reading Central Beds Council – on the right track to net zero carbon?
It’s time to end the Prepayment rip-off
It's amazing how cheap stuff is when you can afford to pay for it. I'm not just talking about the freebies doled out to celebrities. Nor the lavish junkets laid on for corporate fat cats. Not even the discounted food and drink available at the Houses of Parliament for those who have enjoyed a lengthy … Continue reading It’s time to end the Prepayment rip-off
Julian Vaughan – Statement
"I am deeply saddened at the events following the publication of the report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. I voted for Corbyn in both leadership elections and was inspired by his vision for radical change and a truly fairer society. Corbyn has campaigned against inequality and racism throughout his political career. I do … Continue reading Julian Vaughan – Statement
A turbulent year
It is said that most political careers inevitably end in failure. I seem to have turned this statement on its head and started my journey with a series of defeats! I've been reminded that it is a year since the local government elections. This made me reflect what a year it had been and how … Continue reading A turbulent year
White Privilege
Laurence Fox's appearance on BBC Question Time certainly set off a social media debate on 'white privilege' and what it does or doesn't mean. As users of social media will be aware this rarely ends up with measured argument, where opinions are respectfully countered and true to form it didn't let us down in this … Continue reading White Privilege
Equal Access on the railways – how much longer?
There is quite rightly, a great deal of anger about the failure of the rail industry to meet the 1st January 2020 deadline for all UK passenger trains to be fully accessible. Some of the extensions have been granted years into the future, despite more than a decade to either refurbish or replace non-compliant rolling … Continue reading Equal Access on the railways – how much longer?
Julian Vaughan 