MP supports Warm Homes campaign (From Messenger Newspapers)

Stretford and Urmston MP supports Warm Homes campaign

12:00pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News

FUEL poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) has launched the Warm Homes Campaign, a national campaign, which will run throughout February.

It is aimed at raising awareness of the problem of fuel poverty and the solutions available for those struggling to heat their homes affordably.

It is estimated that around 20 per cent of households in Stretford and Urmston are in fuel poverty, and across the north west the problem affects around 30 per cent of households in, who are unable to heat their homes to the level required for health and wellbeing.

The impact of fuel poverty also costs health and social care services around £1 billion per year through cold-related illness.

Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green said: “The recent cold weather will have made many householders all the more aware of the need to keep warm and comfortable in their homes.

"Improving the heating and insulation of a household can have a huge impact on household energy bills and is the only sustainable way to tackle fuel poverty. It can also lead to a range of other positive benefits such as putting additional money back into the local economy, improving streetscapes and reducing carbon emissions.

"That is why I am supporting National Energy Action’s Warm Homes Campaign and urging people in Trafford to contact the independent Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to see if they are eligible for grants or other financial assistance to help them heat their homes affordably.”

* Trafford residents can contact the Warm Homes, Healthy People advice line on 0161 848 2409 or email whhp.traffordcarerscentre@gmail.com