7000 Local people in fuel poverty

12.00.00am GMT Mon 6th Oct 2003

Vincent Cable MP for Twickenham

It was revealed at a seminar at York House this week that 7000 local, borough, residents are 'fuel poor'; that is, they cannot afford to keep adequately warm at an affordable cost. Many of these are elderly - and Richmond has the highest proportion of over-60's in London - or disabled (over 3000 households have a disabled person). It is estimated that 90 LOCAL PEOPLE DIE EVERY YEAR because of cold and related illnesses attributable to fuel poverty.

The seminar was jointly organised by MP Vincent Cable, the council's energy efficiency co-ordinator and the government Warm Front Team - led by Eaga Partnership - which provides grants of up to £25600 for home insulation and heating. The aim of the meeting was to spread awareness of the grants and the availability of advice to local voluntary groups.

Vincent Cable said: "It is shocking that in our supposedly affluent, leafy, borough there are thousands of people who can't afford to keep themselves warm. Many people live in big, badly insulated Edwardian houses but have a low income - a state pension and a small occupational pension - and are struggling to pay council tax. They economise on fuel bills get very cold in winter and suffer poor health."

"Although around 250 residents have taken advantage of Warm Front grants there are at least ten times that number who are entitled but haven't claimed. I hope this conscious raising exercise will raise the numbers."

Contacts: Vincent Cable, MP, Colin Coomber LBRuT or Emma Jenkinson EAGA freephone 0800 316 6019 to apply for a grant.