South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | December | 2
From the archive, first published Friday 2nd Dec 2005.
A HOUSE warming scheme has been launched and is circulating houses in South Gloucestershire with the help of the area's MP.
Visiting constituents homes last week, Northavon MP Steve Webb promoted the Warm Homes Campaign to residents who are considered to be vulnerable to the cold this winter.
The campaign, which is organised by energy efficiency charity National Energy Action (NEA), 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.
Mr Webb said: "The inability to afford adequate heat has serious consequences for both individual households and society as a whole. We need to tackle low incomes and the poor energy efficiency standards in our housing so that no one has to worry about the cost of heating their home.
"I believe that in this day and age, no one should have to spend the winter in a cold, damp home simply because they can't afford to put the heating on, that is why I am supporting the Warm Homes Campaign and an end to fuel poverty for all my constituents."
There are an average of 28 excess winter deaths linked to cold homes every year in Northavon and National Energy Action is concerned that this figure may rise with the high fuel prices and the cold winter which is forecast.
To battle against the threat, residents have received gas central heating and low energy light bulbs and the campaign has put pressure on the government for greater support for those in danger.
National Energy Action chief executive William Gillis said: "For millions winter brings poor health, isolation, debt and worry. We believe that this is unacceptable.
"During the Warm Homes Campaign we will be calling on the Government to provide greater resources to tackle fuel poverty and protect householders from rapidly rising energy prices."
Anyone who is worried about their winter fuel bill or safety should call the Keep Warm Keep Well helpline on 0800 0857000 for information and advice.
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