At a time of rising fuel prices, Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, is backing this year’s Warm Homes Campaign which encourages people to apply for energy efficiency grants or advice.

Yesterday in the Commons the MP congratulated the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, for making an additional £100 million available, benefiting thousands of homes.

Speaking from Westminster, the MP said: “Everybody has the right to have an adequately heated home, free from the risks posed by cold and damp.  Figures show that the numbers of “excess” deaths in Pendle due to winter cold have gone down from an average of 44 annually to 30, but that is still thirty too many.  And because of the increase in energy prices, which are forecast to continue until the spring, the number of households in fuel poverty in Pendle is going up.”

“Now is absolutely the time to take advantage of the grant-aided schemes for low-income households, providing free insulation and heating.  Schemes are also available for people who are not on benefits – and many people who are worried about getting into fuel debt may need advice to help keep their bills under control."

"Pendle Council is holding two information events this week, in Nelson and Earby, where advisors will be on hand.  Alternatively people can contact Warm Front by phone or online.”

Notes to editors:

Warm Homes Week runs from 21—28 November.

Pendle Council’s Information Events will be held on Wednesday 26 November at number One Market Street, Nelson and New Road Community Centre, Earby.  Both sessions will run from 10 am to 3 pm.

The Office for National Statistics defines excess winter deaths as the extent to which the incidence of mortality in the winter period (December—March) exceeds the average of the two non-winter periods.

Fuel poverty is defined as the need to spend more than 10% of household income in order to provide a warm and healthy living environment.  Fuel poverty in the North West of England is currently at 22.1%.

Warm Front can be contacted on 0800 408 2095, or www.Warmfront.co.uk