Rt. Hon. John F. Spellar MP

Local MP pledges to help hard pressed constituents escape the misery of living in fuel poverty this winter

Local MP, John Spellar, has pledged to help eradicate fuel poverty from his constituency by ensuring vulnerable households know where to turn for help and support if they are struggling to heat their homes.

The MP for Warley is backing National Energy Action’s Warm Homes Campaign 2011, which is supported by E.ON, and is stressing that community engagement is vital in combating rising levels of fuel poverty in the West Midlands.

The Warm Homes Campaign is a national campaign run by the UKs leading fuel poverty charity National Energy Action to raise awareness of fuel poverty and the issues surrounding living in a cold home.

This year has seen energy prices rise to record levels and the number of fuel poor households in the UK is now over 6.6 million. Over 28% of households in Warley are struggling to heat their homes.

Mr Spellar said:

“No-one should be dying of the cold in this country. I have pledged my support to work with groups and individuals within my constituency to help them access the support available to insulate homes and reduce energy bills.

“The Warm Homes Campaign highlights that there are still millions of people who are simply struggling to keep their homes warm and protect their families from the ill effects of the cold. Fuel-poor households experience a number of detrimental health impacts and reductions in general wellbeing as a result of cold, damp living conditions. Whilst this is unacceptable, the campaign also demonstrates how help is available.  It also underlines how important it is that future government schemes are able to target support for the most vulnerable households effectively.

“The most important message this year is that there is help out there for vulnerable households. I urge everyone to contact the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to get help and advice on staying warm in their home this winter without the fear of fuel debt and ill health.”

NEA chief executive Jenny Saunders said:

“For 30 years NEA has been building awareness and tackling the causes and symptoms of this national problem. In our experience, the most rational and sustainable solution is locally based schemes that improve heating and insulation, income maximisation and lower tariffs. These are the real tools to tackle the problem within local communities. We are currently working hard with the Government and our supporters to help design and implement policies and programmes that deliver that help at a neighbourhood level”.