Ahead of Friday’s debate in Parliament on the Fuel Poverty bill, our MP Don Foster has praised the work of the ‘Warm Front Scheme’ in tacking fuel poverty in Bath. To date the scheme has helped 1134 homes in Bath by implementing measures that can cut energy bills by up to £600 a year.

Bath MP Don Foster said,

The Warm Front scheme helps those most in need in society to save money on their energy bills whilst improving energy efficiency and helping to combat climate change. While organisations such as this are doing good work, the government is still letting too many people fall into fuel poverty. That is why I am supporting the Fuel Poverty Bill in Parliament this Friday.

We know that up to 16% of Bath residents could be suffering from fuel poverty. That figure is not acceptable. Energy bills are soaring, yet the government is not doing enough to help the most vulnerable in society. Many have to make a choice between heating or eating.

The Fuel Poverty Bill will bring in two measures:

• A major energy efficiency programme to bring existing homes up to the current energy efficiency levels enjoyed by modern homes
• Social tariffs to limit vulnerable households’ exposure to high energy bills

Households signing up to the Warm Front Scheme can benefit from grants towards energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation, new heating systems and draught proofing.

The scheme has invested over £1.125million in projects in Bath since it began. To sign up residents must own their own home or live in privately rented property and be in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

Don has urged all households who qualify to contact Warm Front on 0800 316 6014.