Labour is calling on local Conservative councillors to say whether they support a one-off windfall tax on oil and gas producer profits, which could save 13,400 families in Worthing £600 off their energy bills.

The Labour Party has written to the Conservative leadership of Worthing Council calling on them to publicly declare whether they support a one-off windfall tax on oil and gas producer profits, which could save 13,400 families in Worthing £600 off their energy bills.

This comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak described people wanting extra support on soaring energy bills as “silly.”

The Chancellor made these comments despite the escalating cost of living crisis.

The Conservatives have so far rejected a one-off windfall tax on oil and gas producer profits despite some producers posting record excess profits in 2022 – BP has described rising prices as a ‘cash machine.’ While the former CEO of BP, Lord Browne has said that the windfall tax is justifiable.

The letter – written by Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq – called on the Conservative leader of Worthing Council, Kevin Jenkins to tell local people in Worthing whether or not he supports Labour’s proposal for bringing down energy bills, ahead of Thursday’s vote.

Tulip Siddiq, Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury said:

“Rishi Sunak may think that supporting families with their energy bills is silly, but people in Worthing and across the country struggling with the worst cost-of-living crisis on record will disagree.”

“Voters have a right to know whether the Conservative leader of the council, Kevin Jenkins agrees with this out of touch Chancellor.”

“On Thursday, people in Worthing have an opportunity to send a message to this failing and incompetent Conservative Government.”

Rishi Sunak said it would be “silly” to give families more help with their energy bills in an interview with Mumsnet on 27 April 2022. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rishi-sunak-energy-bills-silly-b2066915.html