Friday 24th of April 2009
Changes announced to a government measure to help Britons reduce their fuel bills have been welcomed by a consumer body.
The Warm Front Scheme provides grants for those on benefits to install insulation or energy-efficient heating in order to cut expenditure.
And these grants are now being increased, with energy and climate change minister Joan Ruddock noting that those who have taken advantage are saving as much as £300 per year, but the cost of installing the measures have increased.
Consumer Focus praised the move, noting that those with debt management problems who could not afford the additional expenditure will be helped.
However, it added that many households will still suffer, with energy expert Jonathan Stearn stating: "The increased grant is also still inadequate for the improvements needed for many hard to treat homes, in which nearly half of those in fuel poverty live."
Earlier this week, Consumer Focus criticised government plans to help those facing debt management problems as a result of high energy bills, describing measures announced in the Budget as "unachievable".
