Legislation proposed to shield some vulnerable customers from gas disconnections

The government is set to propose urgent legislation which would allow the Council of Ministers to stop disconnection for gas customers in certain circumstances.

This new power will be put forward in the House of Keys next week, and would be a safeguard for households needing additional protection in key winter months.

If the new Bill is approved, protections are expected to mirror those in the UK for certain groups who are more vulnerable or at risk.

The Council of Ministers says it considers the need for this measure to be important as a backstop, following recent public concern of gas disconnections on the Island. 

It's added that it's important that those struggling with bill payments, debt and repayment arrangements get help through the Office of Fair Trading, as any changes to legislation will not mean any owing sums would be cancelled. 

It's hoped the changes will go through each of its stages on Tuesday, and immediately passed to the Legislative Council and taken through in a single sitting.