Keeping warm this winter

Warm Front is the main programme for tackling fuel poverty in the private sector in England. It provides grants for insulation and heating improvements to households in receipt of qualifying benefits. To find out more about the Warm Front schme householders should call 0800 316 6011

On the 11th September 2008 the government announced a £1billion package of measures to help families on modest and middle incomes to permanently cut their energy bills. Every household can get 50% off the cost of roof insulation, cavity wall insulation and other energy efficiency devices. 11 million pensioner and lower income households are eligible for these free of charge.

For winter 2008 / 2009 the Cold Weather payments will increase in value from £8.50 to £25.00 Cold weather payments are made to vulnerable people in receipt of qualifying benefits, if there is a period of very cold weather in their area.

A voluntary agreement has been reached with energy suppliers who will now offering £150 million each year by 2011 to support vulnerable households. Consumer Direct 0845 404 0506 and the Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99 can advise whether a competing supplier can offer you a better fuel deal.

Winter fuel payments to persons over 60 have increased this year. The Government will again be making Winter Fuel Payments to most people aged 60 or over for winter 2008/09. A Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help people aged 60 and over with the costs of keeping warm this winter. If you are aged 60 to 79 and you are entitled to receive a Winter Fuel Payment, this year you will get either £125 or £250, depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week (15 to 21 September 2008). If you are aged 80 or over and you are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment, this year you will either £200 or £400, depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week.

You do not pay tax on Winter Fuel Payments.

Information supplied by the Department for Work and Pensions