The Government has outlined an ambitious programme for the next session of Parliament. Its aim is to create a fairer society and a more stable economy. It also promises investment in the future by boosting new areas like green technology and guaranteeing a training place or job for all young people looking for work.

Some of the key Government Bills will be on issues on which I have been campaigning strongly such as the

Energy Bill which will

• force every energy company to introduce social tariffs which will cut the energy bills of people on low income
• give stronger protection for the consumer
• introduce financial incentives to boost low carbon industry and create new green jobs

Financial Services Bill which will mean

• much tougher regulation of the financial sector including
• powers for the regulator, the Financial Services Authority, to tear up contracts for excessive bonuses
• a ban on unsolicited credit card cheques, to prevent companies encouraging customers to borrow more than they can afford
• setting up a new independent money advice service.

In addition, to make sure young people looking for work don’t fall through the net there will be guarantees of

• a job or training for any 18 to 24-year-olds who are unemployed and help as soon as they register
• a place in education from January for any 16 to 17-year-olds out of work

In Parliament recently I raised the issue of excessive bonuses still being given to senior bank executives and I have also campaigned very strongly on fuel poverty, working closely with the North Edinburgh Fuel Poverty Action Group. Consequently, I was very pleased to see the proposals for tough regulation of the banking sector and curbs on the power of energy companies.

Better protection for energy customers and those in debt as well as the guarantees for the young unemployed show that Government has a positive role to play in supporting ordinary people and reminding banks and energy companies that their purpose is not simply to maximise profit.  They also have obligations to the society to which they belong: something as basic as fuel to cook and keep warm shouldn’t have to be a luxury accessory for anyone.