Beith backs national campaign for warm homes

10.28.06am GMT Tue 5th Dec 2006

Alan Beith, Lib Dem MP for Berwick, is backing a campaign that aims to highlight the plight of households who are concerned about being able to heat their homes to adequate levels this winter.

Alan Beith said

"I am pleased to add my support to the Warm Homes Campaign. Fuel poverty is a serious issue, and although we have had a mild autumn and winter so far, the worry of finding money to pay for heating is still there for many people. In the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency there have been an average of 50 excess winter deaths each year between 2000 and 2005. This year, high energy process could push that figure even higher.

"It is vital to help people make their homes more energy efficient, as this reduces fuel bills. No-one should have to spend the winter without affordable heating. I want to see an end to fuel poverty in the Berwick constituency and across the UK."

The Warm Homes Campaign is organised annually by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), in association with Powergen, and supported by DEFRA. The 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. MPs, Members of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly Members are supporting this year's campaign.

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. The elderly, families with young children, people with disabilities and those on low incomes are especially at risk in cold homes.

William Gillis, NEA Chief Executive, said

"For millions of people, winter brings poor health, isolation, debts and worry. We believe that this is unacceptable. During the Warm Homes Campaign we will be calling on the Government to provide greater resources to tackle fuel poverty and protect vulnerable households from rapidly rising energy costs."

Anyone who is worried about their winter fuel bill should call the Home Heat Helpline free on 0800 336699 for information and advice on keeping warm in winter. For more information about grants available to keep your home warm, call 0800 3166011 and quote MK550.

Powergen's Garry Worthington, Social and Environmental Affairs Manager, said

"Powergen is committed to helping people achieve affordable warmth in their homes. Earlier this year we launched the £100m CaringEnergy scheme to provide vulnerable customers with free energy efficiency measures and advice, as well as advice on payments, tariffs and income maximisation.

"We're delighted to be supporting the Warm Homes campaign for the second year to raise awareness of the help we can give in improving the comfort of homes and in reducing energy bills through better energy efficiency."