Energy News

Warm Front home heating scheme is ‘not fit for purpose’

Tuesday 10 February, 2009

By seamour.rathore@consumerchoices.co.uk

The government’s flagship Warm Front scheme is not fit for purpose, according to charities Help The Aged and Age Concern.

Help The Aged and Age Concern are getting thousands of complaints from elderly people about the government's Warm Front home heating scheme.

The two charities have called for an increase in the Warm Front grant – currently £2,700, and an urgent review. They also want the scheme's funds to be better targeted at the poorest and least energy-efficient households.

Government figures show that the Warm Front scheme is failing to meet high demand for its home-heating and energy-efficiency grants. Many pensioners who qualify are abandoning their applications after being told they must find the money to pay top-up contributions for the improvement works.

New figures* show:

• There are 106,179 outstanding Warm Front applications
• 130,799 customers paid a top-up contribution in the last three years
• The average customer contribution was £581 in 2007-08
• 20,491 customers did not proceed with the work after being asked to pay a top-up

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, said: “The harsh reality is that millions of older people are living in cold, energy-inefficient houses and are afraid to turn their heating up because of the cost – which could be putting the health of thousands at risk.”

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at EnergyChoices.co.uk said: “It seems the Warm Front scheme is failing to meet the needs of the most vulnderable in our society – and recent figures have estimated that one in four Britons is facing fuel poverty.”

I urge everyone to look at whether they can budget for energy efficiency measures in their home. Those in need, in particular, should also ask about any further schemes – perhaps provided by their local council, which may help.”

* Government and National Audit Office figures

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