Water, Food and Energy: Consumer Concerns at the Heart of the Queen’s Speech

Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet and Sandwich, and former Consumer campaigner said: “Three of the biggest ticket items for households across the country are being addressed in today’s Queen’s Speech. Recognising the pressures facing families, the Government has scheduled into this year’s parliamentary timetable plans to reform energy, water and the our food system.

“This Government is putting in place the much needed legislation to ensure that consumers get a better deal. Hardworking families’ concerns over inflation have been heard and the Government has responded with a range of Bills to help drive down prices. These Bills also aim to regulate the big companies which, for too long, went unchecked and were allowed to reap excessive profits at the expense of consumers and producers.

“The Government has today shown they are on the side of consumers, but there is much more to achieve. I will be further pushing the Government to examine the food system to help provide consumers with even better value so they can feed their families affordably. I am also keen for the energy companies to start building much greater trust with their customers.  Water needs to deliver better value and we must protect our water resource.”

While all of government is focusing on methods of delivering growth, inflation is hitting households.  Consumers must be at the heart of our agenda.

 ·         Electricity Market Reform Bill:  Proposals to reduce consumer energy bills by securing much needed investment in energy infrastructure. These plans aim to protect families from the fluctuating costs of oil and gas and ensure sustainable prices into the future.

·         Water Bill: New measures to encourage water companies to introduce cheaper tariffs to support vulnerable customers. The Government will also work to drive down water bills by increasing competition in the water industry.

·         Grocery Code Adjudicator Bill: Will aim to regulate the big supermarkets to ensure a better deal for our farmers and fairer food at the heart of the system. The adjudicator will have strong powers to act on behalf of shoppers and suppliers.