Newly-elected MP Lynne Featherstone is urging vulnerable households in Hornsey and Wood Green to apply for government heating and insulation grants to keep their homes warm and healthy and save money on fuel bills.

“I am encouraging local residents to take advantage of the Warm Front grant. Far too many local people are struggling to heat their homes, often at serious risk to their health,” said Lynne Featherstone MP.

“The Warm Front scheme is here precisely to help vulnerable people make their homes warm. It’s a fantastic programme that we should be taking advantage of. Many of my constituents have no idea that they could qualify for up to GBP2500 of Government money. It’s a great shame that so many people in the area are missing out.

“I know during the current weather it may seem strange to be talking about the Winter, but if people get the work done now, they can benefit later this year.”

According to the latest figures compiled by Warm Front managers, Eaga Partnership Ltd, at least 1,021 households in Hornsey and Wood Green have already benefited from a warmer home since the scheme started in June 2000. Thousands of households in the area could still benefit from a grant to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce fuel bills.

Warm Front is part of a 10-year strategy to end fuel poverty in England by 2010. Fuel poverty is defined as spending more than ten percent of household income on fuel bills and affects around 3 million households in the UK. This is double the percentage of income that the average household spends and means that many vulnerable people have to face the choice between heating and eating. The elderly, young children, and people with a long-term illness or a disability are particularly at risk.

Warm Front provides heating and insulation measures to households on income or disability benefits. You may qualify by calling Eaga Partnership free on 0800 316 6014.