Stunell Celebrates Warmer Homes in Stockport

9.21.51am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 24th Apr 2007

Local MP, Andrew Stunell is celebrating the work of the Warm Front scheme in Hazel Grove, which has helped to slash bills and save energy in 1898 households in the area.

Commenting on the impressive new figures, Mr Stunell said:

"This winter thousands of local residents struggled to heat their homes, often at serious risk to their health.

"The Warm Front scheme is here to help vulnerable people make their homes warm. So far they have helped nearly 2000 households in Hazel Grove.

"I would like as many local residents as possible to make use of the scheme. Now is a good time to get in touch - don't just forget about it whilst the weather is warm, and then suffer as winter approaches.

"The Warm Front also can run checks to make sure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. On average they have saved residents in Hazel Grove £7.79 per week - that's over £400 per year!"

Householders need to own their own home or rent from a private landlord, and they also need to be in receipt of an income or disability related benefit in order to qualify for the scheme. Local residents can contact the Warm Front team on 0800 316 6014 to apply for a grant. ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

1. The Warm Front grant provides a grant of up to £2,700 to the following groups:

- Householders who are aged 60 or over, and are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits: Income Support, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance (Income-based), Pension Credit

- Householders who have a child under 16, or are pregnant and have been given maternity certificate MAT B1, and are also in receipt of one or more of the following benefits: Income Support, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance (Income based), Pension Credit

- Householders in receipt of one or more of the following benefits: Working Tax Credit with income less than £15,050 + Disability Premium, Disability Living Allowance, Child Tax Credit with income less than £15,050, Housing Benefit + Disability Premium, Income Support + Disability Premium, Council Tax + Disability Premium, War Disablement Pension + (Constant Attendance Allowance or Mobility Supplement), Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit + Constant Attendance Allowance, Attendance Allowance.

2. Eaga contact details: Media Contact: Anne Toms, Eaga Group, 0191 247 3840, anne.toms@eaga.co.uk