Winchester MP Danny Chambers described Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s proposal to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills as falling short, particularly for rural homes that rely on heating oil. "Once again, Labour are forgetting about rural Britain, and households that rely on heating oil." The Liberal Democrats are calling for a three-month zero-rating of VAT on heating oil and a price cap to protect against sudden cost increases. The party’s proposed 'Essential Energy Guarantee' would save the average household £100 a year, compared to the £45 expected from the VAT cut on electricity. Dr Chambers said: "We need to get money back into people’s pockets, but tinkering with VAT on energy bills simply doesn't cut it."