Don't miss out on Warm Front help
1st February 2012
City Labour MPs John Denham and Alan Whitehead are today urging eligible constituents to take advantage of the Government’s flagship energy help scheme Warm Front, to make their homes warmer and cut their energy bills.
The Warm Front scheme - which offers heating and insulation improvements to households living on low incomes – is expected to see up to £30 million worth of funding for this year going unclaimed. This money could help up to 16,000 households struggling to afford their energy bills to cut their costs by a potential £650 per year.
People on certain income-related benefits and living in homes that are poorly insulated, or do not have a working central heating system, are eligible for Warm Front grants.
Applications to the scheme are down by 70%. So Southampton’s Labour MPs together with Consumer Focus urge people to put in a claim now before the funding for this year ends on 31 March.
John Denham MP said:
“Insulating your loft and walls is a good way to tackle high energy bills and I urge people to see if they qualify and apply for Warm Front’s free of charge home improvements, before the funding is withdrawn.”
Alan Whitehead MP said:
“Warm Front has helped thousands of people in Southampton and the south since it was set up in 2000. The Conservative Government is abolishing the Warm Front programme this year. We want as many people in Southampton to get the help they are entitled to before it’s too late.”
“If you think you are eligible, apply to the scheme by calling 0800 316 6004, or online at www.direct.gov.uk/warmfront.”
Audrey Gallacher, Director of Energy at Consumer Focus, said:
‘The poorest pensioners and families will have been hit particularly hard by high energy prices. Many are living in cold homes, which could put their health at risk. It is very disappointing that people who need Warm Front help to make their homes warmer and cheaper to heat are likely to miss out. We’d urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to put in a claim. This help is free and can make a big difference in affording your energy bills and keeping warm and well.’
Factfile:
- There are now likely to be almost 7 million households living in fuel poverty in the UK (Estimates on behalf of Consumer Focus using Centre for Sustainable Energy research). This is up from 5.5 million in 2009 (the latest official Government figures)
- The average energy bill is now £1,289, which will fall to £1,258 after all the recent price cuts announced come into effect
- Full details of who can claim help under the Warm Front scheme and how to apply are available on Directgov - www.direct.gov.uk/warmfront People can apply for the scheme online, by post, or by phone on 0800 316 6004 (or textphone 0800 072 0156),Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm and Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
More information
Warm Front is the only UK Government funded scheme to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency. The Warm Front Grant applies in England only.
Breakdown of regional Warm Front applications:
Qualifying Claims |
April – Dec 2011 |
April – Dec 2010 |
Decrease in applications |
Percentage decrease |
East Midlands |
3,139 |
11,351 |
- 8,212 |
72% |
East of England |
3,274 |
10,867 |
- 7,593 |
70% |
London |
3,078 |
9,356 |
- 6,278 |
67% |
North East |
3,134 |
11,934 |
- 8,800 |
74% |
North West |
9,010 |
31,809 |
- 22,799 |
72% |
South East |
4,149 |
12,794 |
- 8,645 |
68% |
South West |
3,355 |
10,455 |
- 7,100 |
68% |
West Midlands |
5,207 |
16,142 |
- 10,935 |
68% |
Yorkshire and The Humber |
5,101 |
16,542 |
- 11,441 |
69% |
TOTAL: |
39,447 |
131,250 |
- 91,903 |
70% |
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