Holmes attacks Government on life-threatening cuts to Warm Front budget

Paul Holmes, Liberal Democrat MP for Chesterfield today wrote to the Chancellor, Alistair Darling to express his urgent concern about the proposed cuts to the Warm Front Scheme budget for 2010.

Ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Summit and the Pre-Budget Report this week, it was learned that all activity has been put on hold as eaga plc, the scheme manager, has already used up the entirety of this year's £450 million Warm Front budget. The Warm Front budget for 2010 is set to be cut back by 50% to £225 million.

Paul said:

I have often seen for myself the value of Warm Front schemes in helping those in Chesterfield with low incomes.

"This is a vital lifeline for many, especially with energy prices inexorably rising. Better insulation also, of course, cuts energy use and therefore, carbon emissions, thus aiding the battle against global warming which the Government is supposedly committed to.

"If the huge taxpayer subsidies to nuclear electricity were put into an effective nationwide programme of home insulation instead, then it would reduce the need to build new generating capacity as well as helping those in fuel poverty.

It is ludicrous nonsense that the Labour Government is pouring taxpayers' money into dangerous nuclear power instead of using it to fund a much-needed, potentially life-saving and environmentally-friendly scheme.

"The news that the Warm Front Scheme budget is to be cut so drastically shows up the false words being issued prior to the Copenhagen talks, from a Government which does not even take basic steps for its own people on insulation, which cut emissions, save energy and cut fuel bills for the poor all at the same time."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Warm Front Scheme provides assistance to eligible households with the installation of heating and insulation measures in order to improve household energy efficiency and to reduce fuel poverty.

2. Last winter, there were 36,700 excess winter deaths - a 49% increase across England and Wales from the previous winter. The vast majority who died were over 75.

3. The Warm Front Scheme has assisted two million vulnerable households since it began in June 2000 and has saved households an average of more than £300 per year on their energy bills.

4. Paul Holmes will address the Tearfund Campaign Rally on the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit at Coney Green Industrial Park on Saturday 5th December.