Energy boost for over 60s in Herefordshire

26/01/2008

Herefordshire Council is offering all people in the county over 60 years of age £500 towards insulation and heating controls. The news comes in response to the latest wave of energy price rises.

The latest increases mean that the average dual-fuel customer will now pay more than £1,000 per year - which is financially impossible for many pensioners already struggling to pay other basics like Council Tax. Herefordshire Councillor Olwyn Barnett said: “For many people, particularly the vulnerable, price hikes mean very real decisions between choosing to heat their home or doing without other essentials. We don’t want anyone to be cold in their homes and this £500 payment will help those most in need ensure their homes are as energy efficient as possible.

“It can go towards insulation which prevents warmth from escaping through walls and roofs or could be used to make sure heating controls are working efficiently and homes get to the right temperature.”

The £500 is payable through the Special Energy Efficiency Scheme (SEES) and all county residents in receipt of an income or disability benefit can also qualify for assistance. Herefordshire Council has also recently launched its Affordable Warmth Strategy with the aim of reducing fuel poverty in Herefordshire.

In 2005 there were an estimated 8,540 (10.7%) of homes in Herefordshire in fuel poverty in 2005 (where a household has to spend 10% or more of their income on energy). A special adviser for Help the Aged said that just a 1% rise in fuel bills plunges about 40,000 people into fuel poverty nationally.