13 September 2006
MINISTER REFUTES FUEL POVERTY ALLEGATIONS
The Minister for Social Development, David Hanson, MP, commented on concerns raised by Help the Aged that not enough is being done to target older people in fuel poverty initiatives.
Mr Hanson said: "Since becoming Minister for Social Development last year, I have made the eradication of fuel poverty one of my top priorities and in this period have overseen a number of specific initiatives aimed at assisting over 60s. I am working to deal with the factors which contribute to fuel poverty, poor energy efficiency, low income and energy costs.
"Earlier this year I secured additional funding which allowed me to extend the Warm Homes Plus Scheme, which provides new or replacement central heating systems for eligible over 60s, to cover people aged over 60 years of age and in receipt of non-means tested benefits. I was also able to increase the target for the Warm Homes Scheme in the current year from 8,250 to 10,000 homes, of which around 4,000 will receive central heating systems."
The Minister explained that the Warm Homes Scheme, coupled with the Housing Executive's improvement and heating replacement schemes, have combined to ensure that more than 97% of properties have some form of central heating, 78% have some form of wall insulation and 95% have loft insulation.
He also pointed out that Government is firmly committed to improving the overall living standards of all pensioners and, since 1997, as a result of tax and benefit measures, the poorest 10 per cent of pensioner households are on average £2,300 a year, or around £44 a week, better off and pensioner households are on average £1,500 a year, or around £29 a week, better off.
Minister Hanson said: "The Social Security Agency is committed to encouraging households to claim their full benefit entitlement and a number of benefit uptake schemes, many of which concentrate specifically on pensioners, are currently underway."
The Minister also drew attention to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme under which people aged over 60 can qualify for £200 per household, rising to £300 for those over 80 years. The Minister said: "Most people receive this important benefit automatically if they already receive a State Pension or other Social Security Benefit. But we are concerned that there are others, perhaps those who are working, who do not realise that they are eligible. We would encourage them to contact the Social Security Agency to check if they can claim.
"Winter Fuel Payment was introduced in 1997 to help people towards their fuel costs. It has increased from £20 to its present £200 since it began; well above the rate of inflation. There is no doubt that some older people have difficulty budgeting for the cost of fuel. This payment will make a difference and I say to them - don't miss out."
The winter fuel payment is available to people who reach the qualifying ages during the qualifying week, 18-24 September 2006. Claim forms can be obtained by ringing 08459 15 15 15. The deadline for claims to cover the coming winter is 30 March 2007.
The Minister also emphasised that Government is committed to finding other forms of renewable energy as demonstrated by the establishment of the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund earlier this year. This £60 million programme aims to test new technologies, such as solar panels and community heating schemes.
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