Slash energy bills and put money back into people’s pockets, says Welsh Lib Dem Senedd candidate Rodney Berman

Rodney Berman, the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ lead Senedd candidate for the Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf constituency covering north and east Cardiff, is joining Lib Dems across the UK in calling on the UK Government to cut energy bills by more than £90 a year in the upcoming budget.

He is backing party calls to remove the “renewables obligation” levy that people currently pay as part of their electricity bill. This would slash the typical bill by more than £90, taking it to its second lowest level since the energy crisis started in 2022.

This, alongside a separate call on the UK Government to cut VAT by 5% for pubs, restaurants, entertainment and accommodation venues, make up a bold £12bn plan to tackle the cost of living and support Britain’s high streets, putting £270 back in people's pockets.

Many hospitality businesses in Cardiff, both in the city centre and in our local and district centres, have been struggling in the current economic climate and these measures could throw a much-needed lifeline to many of them.

Rodney Berman and the Liberal Democrats in Cardiff welcomed the move, saying residents are currently facing “sky-high energy bills” and that the plan would help drive economic growth.

Rodney Berman, the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ lead Senedd candidate for Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, said: 

“People here in Cardiff and across the UK are facing sky-high energy bills and the UK Labour Government is unfortunately not doing enough to combat the problem.

“The Liberal Democrats’ plan to cut the average energy bill by more than £90 a year would put more cash back into people’s pockets. It would then become more affordable for residents across north and east Cardiff to heat their homes and help tackle the cost-of-living crisis head on.

“Lower energy bills would also leave people with a bit more spare cash to spend on the high street, which would re-energise our struggling small businesses and help drive economic growth. The Chancellor needs to listen.”

ENDS