British Gas profits leap - UNISON response

Commenting on new figures, showing that Centrica's British Gas arm has posted record half-yearly profits - 98 per cent up on the same time last year.

Steve Bloomfield, UNISON national officer for energy, said:

"We know that British Gas is doing more than any other energy company when it comes to investing in insulation and energy saving programmes to help vulnerable customers in the UK.

"But some of the huge increase in profits made by the company because of the harsh winter weather, should be ploughed back into keeping struggling families warm next winter.

END "There is no doubt that the increased demand will lead to other energy companies also posting increased profit levels. These foreign-owned companies are making record profits for themselves, but do little to help British families faced with rising fuel costs.

"With one in six families still suffering from fuel poverty they are facing tough times ahead, energy companies must give customers a better deal."