30 November 2004

Heating for all under 'Warm Front' scheme

Britain's most vulnerable households are in line to receive more financial support to help alleviate fuel poverty, Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has announced today.

The Minister unveiled a package of £140 million, the latest instalment of the government's action plan to eradicate fuel poverty in vulnerable households by 2010.

The 'Warm Front' scheme, launched in 2000, has already helped more than 940,000 households. Households eligible for 'Warm Front' payments include those with children, the elderly, disabled or people with a long-term illness.

Ms Beckett said: "This government is serious about putting an end to fuel poverty. It damages the health of those who live in cold homes and affects their quality of life. We want to create warmer, healthier homes particularly for the elderly and families with children."

Since 1996 the number of fuel-poor households in England has dropped to 1.4 million from 4.3 million. Last year more than 11 million older people received £200 Winter Fuel Payments and households with someone aged 80 or over will receive an added £100.

With Warm Front's annual spend projected to rise to £251 million in 2007/8, most of the initiative's objectives, such as central heating for all eligible households and bigger grants, are on target.

(mmcg)