Local MP celebrates warmer homes in Stockport

10.13.44am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 11th Oct 2005

Andrew Stunell MP is celebrating the work of the Warm Front scheme which has assisted 1516 households across the Hazel Grove constituency, at a total spend of over £1.1 million, since the scheme started 5 years ago.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"Hundreds of local people struggle to heat their homes, often at serious risk to their health. The Warm Front scheme is here to help vulnerable people make their homes warm.

"Over 200 households in my Hazel Grove constituency have benefited from a brand new central heating system since the Warm Fronts programme started in June 2000. A further 200 homes have received repairs to broken or condemned boilers and over 1,100 homes are making savings each year now that they have had their homes insulated.

"I often meet constituents who have no idea they could qualify for help - it's a great shame that some people are still missing out."

To qualify, householders need to own their own home or rent from a private landlord, and also be in receipt of an income or disability benefit.

Mr Stunell added:

"Anyone who thinks that they could benefit should ring the Warm Fronts freephone number: 0800 316 6014 and get help."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Employee owned social enterprise company Eaga Partnership Ltd, manage the Warm Front scheme throughout England on behalf of the Department for Food and Rural Affairs.

2. Warm Front grants are available to homeowners and private tenants who are in receipt of certain qualifying benefits. The grant will provide a package of heating and insulation tailored to each property.

3. The following people may be able to claim a grant of up to £2,700 under Warm Front:

a. Householders aged 60 or over and are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

Income Support, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Pension Credit

b. Householders who (i) have a child under 16, or (ii) are pregnant and have been given maternity certificate MAT B1 in relation to the pregnancy concerned, and are also in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

Income Support, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Pension Credit

c. Householders in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

Working Tax Credit with income of less than £15, 050 and which must include a disability element, Disability Living Allowance, Child Tax Credit with an income of less than £15, 050,

Housing Benefit + Disability Premium, Income Support + Disability Premium, Council Tax + Disability Premium, War Disablement Pension (+ Constant Attendance Allowance or Mobility Supplement), Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit + Constant Attendance Allowance, Attendance Allowance

4. Warm Front has recently been improved and expanded and now offers central heating for all clients - not just those aged 60 or over. Oil central heating is available for clients off the main gas distribution network, and for those clients having oil heating work the maximum grant available is $4,000. Insulation measures offered under Warm Front may also include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and draught proofing.