Over 50,000 Homes in North Wales face needless winter freeze

6.18.00pm GMT Tue 5th Jan 2010

Today, Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for North Wales, released figures showing that over 50,000 households in North Wales are not claiming free help to insulate their houses and cut their household energy fuel bills by up to £250 a year.

Under the Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT), low income households claiming out-of-work or disability benefits, working tax credit or pension credit, can benefit from insulation grants to provide cavity wall or loft insulation for poorly insulated homes. Anyone over the age of 70 can apply for the free grants, regardless of whether they are claiming benefits or tax credits.

The figures were compiled by the New Policy Institute and Eleanor is urging constituents to call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 .

Commenting, Eleanor said:

"With temperatures plummeting below freezing, free insulation grants are an essential way for people to stay warm and cut their fuel bills.

"Fuel poverty in Wales is at record levels and energy bills are likely to rise even further, so these free insulation grants, which could cut energy bills by hundreds of pounds, are a real lifeline for financially stretched families.

"Thousands of families are missing out on this free help and with over 50,000 eligible people in North Wales yet to take advantage of this scheme, I would urge people to contact the Home Heat Helpline to see if they qualify for help.