Keeping Warm This Winter

There are 3.5 Million People in Fuel Poverty in the UK

Every winter, millions of people are left with the choice of putting food on the table or heating their homes. They are amongst the 3.5 million people affected by fuel poverty [2006 figures], with current estimates showing that figure is set to rise to 5.4 million this year, due to a combination of rising energy prices and a difficult economic climate.

However, there are many sources of assistance available if you are having problems paying fuel bills or with keeping warm affordably:

Defra: Fuel Poverty Section - Including Grants for Individuals and Information on Applying for Warm Front Grants.

Warm Front Website.

Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99).

Stockport Metropolitan Council.

Contact Your Local Energy Saving Advice Centre.

The Energy Saving Trust.

Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Fuel Poverty Page.

All of the above links are good places to start with to see if you are eligible for help. Should you find there are any problems accessing any of the help available, you can contact my constituency office on 0161 406 7070 or by e-mail at enquiries@andrewstunell.org.uk

http://www.direct.gov.uk/ is another good website, which explains all the services offered by government across a wide variety of areas - including combatting fuel poverty.

The Citizens Advice Bureau may also be able to help. They can be contacted at http://www.stockportcab.org.uk/