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Government fail on fuel poverty - Laura encourages people to apply
February 4, 2004 12:00 AM
Cllr Laura Willoughby, the Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Islington North, today supported findings that the Governmentís £500 million pound fuel scheme has failed to help the most vulnerable people in society to avoid fuel poverty. The report comes from the Commons Public Accounts Committee that met early in February.
Cllr Laura Willoughby, who has campaigned for many years on helping eradicate fuel poverty said: ?In places like Islington, the best thing that the Government could do is demand that electricity and gas suppliers end the increased cost people who have key or card metres have to pay for their energy. People who have pre-pay meters pay 25% more for the gas or electricity than those who pay by bill - changing this alone would have a great effect on people who cannot afford these vital utilities.?
Only a third of grants from the Warm Front Initiative annual £150m spent on energy efficiency help the "fuel poor" and a third or more of households that struggle to pay their fuel bills do not receive the benefits that would qualify them for help.
Cllr Laura Willoughby is encouraging people to find out if they can get money from the scheme. She added: ?Residents in receipt of income or disability related benefits can use this money to improve the insulation and heating in their home. If you own your home or privately rent, you could have a range of insulation and heating improvements installed If you are under 60, this could be up to the value of £1,500 or £2,500 if you are 60 or over. People must apply.?
The Liberal Democrat controlled Islington Council also runs and Energy Efficiency Advice Centre that provides free, impartial and independent advice on energy saving to householders and small businesses. Residents can receive immediate, practical and unbiased advice on any issue relating to energy use at home by phoning or dropping into the centre. Issues covered including; insulation improvements, efficient heating systems , low energy lighting, energy efficiency installers , local and national grants and discount schemes and understanding bills
Warm Front: 0800 952 1555
Islington Energy Efficiency Advice Centre: 159 Upper Street, 0800 512 012 or www.islington.gov.uk
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