NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE
The ?climb down?, because that?s what it is, of Manx Gas over pricing is a vindication that despite the skeptics the peoples voice mobilized via social media can achieve change.
Since the new standard charge and tariff arrangements were announced we (and others) have conducted a virulent campaign against Government, the OFT and Manx Gas and every post has achieved massive reach and provoked a never ending range of critical comment.
Manx Gas were opportunistic but the Manx Government were negligent and its difficult to say which was the worst received both positions were roundly condemned.
Of course both Tony Nicholls for Manx Gas and David Quirk MHK are painting this as a success for the government?s agreement with the company but ?the dogs in the street? know a climb down when they see one and this is just that.
However, we would be ill advised to be complacent. The iniquitous standing charge arrangements are still in place and despite Nicholls (pictured) suggestion that gas prices will drop further we all know prices can just as swiftly be adjusted upwards.
This however is an opportunity to those campaigning groups and individuals who believe consumers are getting a raw deal to draw breath.
However the next campaign must be to have standing charges, which in effect are just an opportunistic energy and utility tax, brought under greater scrutiny.
It?s not just Manx Gas either those ?slippery eels? at the MUA who slipped through a price rise earlier this year need to be brought under attack as does Manx Telecom the other (up to now) gold plated monopoly ? albeit facing limited opposition.
MOST IMPORTANTLY the OFT needs to be revamped and given a complete overhaul its attitude of cosying up to monopolies and business suppliers has nauseated most people and its performance in the Manx Gas debacle has illustrated that as currently structured and focused it is not fit for purpose.
We need nothing less than a root and branch change of the body which is meant to protect consumers and has failed so lamentably!
BERNARD MOFFATT
Issued by: The Celtic News
24/12/15
THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE
The Celtic League established in 1961 has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It promotes cooperation between the countries and campaigns on a range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, military activity and socio-economic issues
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