Our response to today's Warm Front announcement

In response to today's announcement from DECC regarding changes to Warm Front, including the news that the scheme will be closed to new applicants from today, Age UK's Charity Director, Michelle Mitchell said:

'It is extremely regrettable that the one publicly funded programme in England specifically designed to tackle fuel poverty has been forced to close its doors to new applicants. Warm Front is certainly not without its problems but it has provided much-needed help for millions of older people during the last decade. With an estimated 3.5 million older people living in fuel poverty, it is a huge concern that many frail and vulnerable older people who desperately need help to upgrade their heating systems or improve their insulation will now be left to their own devices.

'A better targeted scheme is well-needed and we are keen to find out more about the re-design of Warm Front when it re-opens to new customers next year. In the meantime Age UK has launched its ‘Spread the Warmth' campaign to provide advice, support and practical services to cope with issues like heating, health and human contact this winter. Older people and their families can call Age UK Advice for free information and support on freephone 0800 169 65 65.'

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Notes to Editors

Age UK works in partnership with Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Media contact: Helen Spinney
Phone: 020 8765 7502
Out-of-hours: 07071 243 243
Email: helen.spinney@ageuk.org.uk