PAUL KEETCH MP BACKS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR WARM HOMES

2.59.42pm GMT Mon 3rd Dec 2007

Paul Keetch 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 eaga, 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.

MPs, Members of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly Members around the country are supporting this year's campaign.

Sarah Carr, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate said: "I am particularly pleased to be supporting the Warm Homes Campaign. Fuel poverty is a serious issue. It is vital to help people make their homes more energy efficient. A more energy efficient house is good news for your energy bill. In this day and age, no one should have to spend the winter without affordable heat for their home. I want to see an end to fuel poverty in Hereford and across the rest of the UK."

Approximately 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. The elderly, families with young children, people with disabilities and others on low incomes are especially at risk from the dangers of cold homes.

There are an average 58 excess winter deaths linked to cold homes every year in Hereford. This year, higher energy prices could push that figure even higher.

Jenny Saunders, NEA Chief Executive, said: "For millions of families and individuals, winter brings poor health, isolation, debt and worry. We believe that this is unacceptable. The Warm Homes Campaign aims to highlight the effects of fuel poverty and to offer positive and practical solutions to the problem.

"During the month of campaign activity we will be urging Government to recognise the effects escalating energy costs have had on fuel-poor households and provide extra resources to help lift people out of fuel poverty and protect them from any future increases in energy prices."

Ashley Guise, Divisional Managing Director for eaga, said: "With winter deaths and poor health still being caused simply because people are living in cold and damp homes this is an extremely important campaign and eaga is only too happy to lend its support. Making homes warmer, dryer and healthier changes lives for the better and for the long term."

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 3166014.