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November 2022 November 2022
NEWS FROM WESTMINSTER that haven’t been used for years, can be risky. Watch for signs of

dangerous or loose wiring, such as scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets,
As the weather turns colder, I am pleased that the fuses that often blow, or circuit breakers that trip for no obvious reasons.
government is supporting households with energy If you’re drying clothes indoors rather than use a tumble dryer, keep them
bills. Credit on energy bills will be £66 a month until  well away from the heat source so they can’t catch fire.
March, and the Energy Price Guarantee which is
keeping bills lower than first forecast. It’s important to  Air fryers and microwave ovens are
note that you do not need to apply for this support – great at saving energy when cooking, but
ignore emails or test messages telling you to please read the manufacturer’s
complete forms to get the money – these are scams. instructions and keep them clean between
For those not on mains gas, there is also a support uses.

 Getting chimneys swept when you
payment of £100 have a woodburner or open fire is essential
towards heating costs. to reduce the risk of chimney fires. Also be
This is in addition to the careful of what you burn; green
targeted support for (unseasoned) wood may seem cheap, but
t h o s e on l o we r it doesn’t create much heat and it creates
incomes. I know that a residue that can easily catch alight
s o m e e n e r g y within the chimney.
companies are still  Get your boiler serviced – a well
raising direct debits very maintained boiler is more efficient and
high – please do make reduces the dangers of carbon monoxide
sure these are based on poisoning.
your actual usage, not
estimated bills. There is also  Only use the correct charger for mobile devices. Although it can be
support for businesses, keeping bills lower through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. cheaper to buy imported and unofficial chargers, fake ones are often
made with poor quality components that fail to meet UK safety regulations.
There is also lots of advice and support from local councils, and you can find links This means they can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires.
to this and other help and advice on my website: www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk/
cost-living-advice The government is also legislating to provide support for  Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using wheat
households, like Park Home owners, who may not benefit from the credit on bags – don’t heat them for too long, or at too high a temperature.
energy bills. We are also changing the way renewable energy prices are linked
to global gas prices to protect consumers. The Fire and Rescue Service offers free Safe & Well advice, which can include a
home visit and the provision of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. To
Following the appointment of our new Prime Minister, I have been given a new request this for yourself, a family member or a vulnerable person, please call 0800
role in government. I am now His Majesty’s Solicitor General, working under 038 2323 or visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits
Britain’s most senior law officer the Attorney General. This means that I will be
providing legal advice to the government, and also considering unduly lenient
sentences. When a person is convicted of serious or violent crime, they are
sentenced by a judge, using sentencing guidelines. If anyone thinks the
sentence is too lenient, they can it refer it to the office of the Attorney General,
and we then consider the case. If I think the sentence was too lenient, I will refer
it to the Court of Appeal for review.

I will also be answering questions at the Dispatch Box in Parliament on legal

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