NEWS RELEASE
I issued the following press release on 24.11.2006
MP Backs
National Campaign For Warm Homes
Lynne Jones MP is backing a national
campaign that aims to highlight the plight of households who are concerned about being
able to heat their homes to adequate levels this winter.
The Warm Homes Campaign is the annual
winter campaign organised by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA). It runs
through November and is organised in association with Powergen, part of E.ON UK, and
supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (in England).
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.
Lynne
Jones, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, said “In this day and age, no one should have to
spend the winter without affordable heat for their home and with the prospect of energy
prices remaining higher than they have been, it is more important than ever to help people
make their homes more energy efficient. In recent years we have seen an average of 68
excess winter deaths linked to cold homes every year in my consistency alone and I am
concerned that, this year, increased energy prices could push that figure even
higher.”
One in six UK households are unable to
affordably heat their homes. Cold homes affect people’s health and wellbeing and are
linked to cardiovascular illnesses such as heart disease and strokes, and respiratory
illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. Elderly people, families with young children,
people with disabilities and others on low incomes are especially at risk from the dangers
of cold homes.
Anyone who is worried about their winter
fuel bill should call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 for information and advice on
keeping warm in winter. Or for more information about grants available to keep your home
warm, call freephone 0800 3166011 and quote MK 550.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
1.
NEA is the national charity
that tackles the heating and insulation problems of low-income households through improved
energy efficiency. Fuel poverty is defined as the need to spend more than 10% of household
income on fuel costs. The Warm Homes Campaign is NEA's annual campaign targeted at the
public and the country's decision makers to raise awareness of fuel poverty and the
benefits of improved energy efficiency.
2.
The Warm Homes Campaign is
organised by NEA and Energy Action Scotland in association with energy supplier Powergen,
part of E.ON UK, and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
in England.
3. As part of the Warm Homes
Campaign, NEA organises activities for Members of Parliament throughout England and
Assembly Members in Wales. In Scotland, NEA works with Energy Action Scotland, who are
co-ordinating visits for Members of the Scottish Parliament and Westminster MPs. Between Friday
24 November and Monday 4 December 2006 a range of seminars, events and activities,
arranged by NEA and its member organisations, will involve people on low incomes, energy
companies, local authorities and voluntary sector and consumer organisations.
4. Excess winter mortality is
defined by the Office for National Statistics as the difference between the number of
deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average number of deaths
during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July).
5. Warm Front in England and
the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in Wales are the primary source of grants for energy
efficiency improvements for households on low incomes. Warm Front and HEES Wales offer the
prospect of lower bills and increased warmth for the elderly, people with disabilities,
lone-parent families and other vulnerable households. For more information about Warm
Front call freephone 0800
3166011 and quote MK 550. This scheme only covers
owner-occupiers and private sector tenants. For more information about HEES Wales call
freephone 0800 316 2815.
For a Warm Homes Campaign
press pack or details on MPs' activities around the country, contact David Bootle, NEA
Press Officer, on 0191 261 5677 or david.bootle@nea.org.uk
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