MP Backs Warm Homes Campaign

David Taylor MP is backing National Energy Action’s Warm Homes Campaign and is stressing that help is out there if you are worried about paying your energy bill.

The backing comes after recent Government statistics revealed that during the winter of 2008/9, there was a 49% rise in excess winter death across England and Wales. Being cold in the home is a prime cause of excess winter deaths.

David said “Fuel poverty is a serious issue and one that is often not recognised. It can lead to debt problems, isolation and poor health which sadly many do not recover from. The winter is a difficult time for many households in the UK and with energy prices remaining high it is important to look at ways of improving energy efficiency to bring people’s energy bills down and make homes healthier to live in. That is why I am supporting the Warm Homes Campaign.

“The most important message this year is that help is out there for vulnerable households. I urge everyone to contact the Home Heat helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to get help and advice on staying warm in their home this winter without the fear of fuel debt and ill health.”

NEA Chief Executive Jenny Saunders said “One in five households in the UK will face poor health, isolation, debt and worry due to fuel poverty this winter. Our message is simple – it doesn’t have to be this way and there is funding and advice available to help people make their homes more energy efficient, cheaper and healthier. Making people aware of the support that is available is half the battle.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

Cold and damp homes affect people’s health and wellbeing and are linked to serious cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. The elderly, young children and people with disabilities are particularly at risk. There were over 27,000 excess winter deaths linked to cold homes in 2007/8 in the UK.

Fuel poverty is defined as the need to spend over 10% of household income on fuel costs to maintain adequate warmth for health and comfort.