Press Release

Contact: Richard Burt 07970 713 032
Embargo: Immediate 5th December 2006

LIBDEM CANDIDATE BACKS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR WARM HOMES

West Worcestershire’s Liberal Democrat Candidate, Richard Burt 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).

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.

Richard Burt said:

"I am particularly pleased to be supporting the Warm Homes Campaign. 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 Worcestershire and across the rest of the UK.”

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 36 excess winter deaths linked to cold homes every year in West Worcestershire. This year, higher energy prices could push that figure even higher.

“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 vulnerable householders from rapidly rising energy prices,” added Mr Burt.

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.