This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7605865.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Unions pushing for windfall tax Unions pushing for windfall tax
(about 5 hours later)
Trade unions are urging the government to impose windfall taxes on "greedy" energy firms to help households struggling to pay fuel bills.Trade unions are urging the government to impose windfall taxes on "greedy" energy firms to help households struggling to pay fuel bills.
A motion being put to the TUC's annual conference in Brighton says the government needs a "coherent" policy. The TUC's annual conference in Brighton backed a motion saying the government needs a "coherent" policy.
It criticises the "big six" energy firms for making £1.6bn last year, while raising prices by 42% this year.It criticises the "big six" energy firms for making £1.6bn last year, while raising prices by 42% this year.
A vote on the issue is expected shortly before Chancellor Alistair Darling gives his speech to delegates. The vote came shortly before Chancellor Alistair Darling was due to give his speech to delegates.
'Phony competition''Phony competition'
The motion, proposed by the GMB union and seconded by the National Union of Mineworkers, claims that the rising cost of living is causing many people to make a choice between "food or fuel".The motion, proposed by the GMB union and seconded by the National Union of Mineworkers, claims that the rising cost of living is causing many people to make a choice between "food or fuel".
It "condemns the actions of these supplies, and the phony competition between the energy companies".It "condemns the actions of these supplies, and the phony competition between the energy companies".
The motion also criticises the regulator Ofgem as "inadequate" and accuses it of "not standing up for consumers".The motion also criticises the regulator Ofgem as "inadequate" and accuses it of "not standing up for consumers".
Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of the Unite union, told delegates: "Time and time again our government rolls over in front of these vested interests."
He added: "Gordon, you've written a book about courage. Take the words out of the page... bring in a windfall tax for our people now."
The demand for a windfall tax on energy companies' profits has also received indications of support from an estimated 100 Labour MPs.The demand for a windfall tax on energy companies' profits has also received indications of support from an estimated 100 Labour MPs.
Mr Darling has previously said he has "serious reservations" about the idea.Mr Darling has previously said he has "serious reservations" about the idea.
The government appears to have ruled out a windfall tax for the moment, but wants energy firms to contribute towards a scheme to improve home insulation, cutting wastage and reducing bills.The government appears to have ruled out a windfall tax for the moment, but wants energy firms to contribute towards a scheme to improve home insulation, cutting wastage and reducing bills.
An announcement is expected this week.An announcement is expected this week.
On Monday the TUC conference voted overwhelmingly for a series of national demonstrations against the government's pay policy, which calls for annual increases to be limited to 2% a year.On Monday the TUC conference voted overwhelmingly for a series of national demonstrations against the government's pay policy, which calls for annual increases to be limited to 2% a year.
Unions argue that the real rate of inflation, pushed up by increasing fuel and food costs, is nearer 5%.Unions argue that the real rate of inflation, pushed up by increasing fuel and food costs, is nearer 5%.