Keeping warm this winter
10th December 2007
Alan Whitehead today backs a national campaign that aims to highlight the plight of households who are concerned about being able to heat their homes to adequate levels this winter.
The Warm Homes Campaign aims to cut the number of excess winter deaths and reduce cold-related illnesses by raising awareness of the help available to people who cannot afford to heat their homes in winter.
In Southampton Test 10 excess winter deaths each year are linked to poorly heated homes.
It is an annual winter campaign organised by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA). It runs through November and is organised in association with eaga, and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (in England).
Dr Whitehead said
“It is vital to make sure all people, whether over 65 or a younger person with a family, knows what help is available to them. The government already offers up to £2,500 in grants to qualifying households to improve their house’s heating and energy efficiency. If you are worried about your winter fuel bill, I would advise you to call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 to find out what help you are entitled to. You can also call 0800 3166014 for information on government grants to keep your home warm.
“Not only do these grants help prevent the illnesses and ailments that result from a cold home, but a more energy efficient house is good news for your energy bill and for climate change. No-one should have to spend the winter cold, without affordable heat for their home. I want to see an end to fuel poverty in Southampton and across the rest of the UK.”
He added:
“When working on the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006, I supported measures in the Bill which place a direct duty on councils to make yearly report on the reduction of the number of households living in fuel poverty.”
Approximately one in six UK households are unable to affordably heat their homes. Cold homes affect people’s health and well-being and are linked to cardiovascular illnesses such as heart disease and strokes, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. People over 65, families with young children, people with disabilities and others on low incomes are especially at risk from the dangers of cold homes.
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More information
- Warm Front in England is the primary source of grants for energy efficiency improvements for households on low incomes. Warm Front offers the prospect of lower bills and increased warmth for the elderly, people with disabilities, lone-parent families and other vulnerable households. For more information about Warm Front call freephone 0800 3166014. This scheme only covers owner-occupiers and private sector tenants.