Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has hailed the contribution of the Warmfront scheme to alleviating fuel poverty in the Bay. To date 4917 households have benefited from grants for insulation, new heating systems and energy efficiency measures.
Local residents have been able to save up to £600 a year as a result of the grants, which can give up to £2700 for gas power and insulation and up to £4000 for oil heating systems.
Adrian commented: "This represents over £5.5million of investment in Torbay and when the process goes smoothly, it has so many benefits. In an age of rocketing fuel bills, energy efficiency schemes like this are crucial."
More can be done to tackle fuel poverty. Not all households currently eligible have explored their options, and Adrian is urging constituents to see what they could gain by calling Warmfront on 0800 316 6014.
Adrian has also been calling on the Government to expand the scheme to include families that are on low incomes but do not receive benefits as well addressing the administrative problems that occasionally affect the grant process.
Adrian added: "There is so much more that can be done. The Government needs to iron out the bidding process as many people in the Bay have complained that contractors are overcharging for labour, therefore taking more public money and forcing many families to add an extra contribution out of their own funds."
"Overall the scheme is a step in the right direction. So many vulnerable households have benefited from this. This needs extending and improving. With low wages in Torbay, more homeowners and tenants can barely afford these upgrades, which save money in fuel bills and are good for the environment. I will be pressing Ministers for more investment, moving into areas such as microtechnology and renewable energy."
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