3400 homes in Brecon and Radnorshire missing out on energy savings, says Roger Williams MP

12.06.26pm GMT Wed 9th Dec 2009

MP urges constituents to call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or constituency office on 01874 625 739 for their free Little Book of Energy advice booklet

3400 households in Brecon and Radnorshire could be missing out on savings of up to £250 a year on the energy bills because they are failing to claim free insulation grants to which they are entitled, local MP Roger Williams warned today.

Mr Williams is urging residents to call his constituency office or the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to see if they are eligible for assistance, and to request their free copy of the 'Little Book of Energy' advice booklet.

The launch of the Little Book of Energy comes as research shows residents could save around £150 a year on their heating bills by insulating their lofts and another £115 a year with cavity wall insulation.

Roger Williams said, "The Little Book of Energy is a valuable resource to help families save money and keep warm this winter, and is now available for free to all residents across Brecon and Radnorshire. The advice booklet provides you with tips for making your home more energy efficient, and provides valuable information about free grants for insulation and assistance available to help reduce your heating bills."

The research, conducted for the Home Heat Helpline by independent think tank, the New Policy Institute (NPI), found there are 3.6 million eligible households across the country that missing out on free help. The 3400 homes in Brecon and Radnorshire which are missing out, account for around 11% of all local homes.

Roger Williams said, "These free grants for insulation could provide a lifeline for 3600 families in Brecon and Radnorshire as it gets colder through the winter months. I am urging every resident to call my constituency office or the Home Heat Helpline today to request their free Little Book of Energy advice booklet and make sure they are not one of the people missing out."

The NPI research highlights low income households claiming either out-of-work or disability benefits, working tax credit or pension credit, who could benefit from the insulation grants. In addition, anyone over the age of 70 can apply for the free grants, regardless of whether they are claiming benefits or tax credits. The grants are provided under the CERT (Carbon Emission Reduction Target) scheme, which provides cavity wall or loft insulation for poorly insulated homes.

Christine McGourty, spokesperson for the Home Heat Helpline, joined Ms Smith in calling for residents to find out if they are eligible. "This research shows the huge scale of unclaimed help that's out there on offer from energy suppliers," says Christine McGourty. "We have trained advisers who can help you get grants for insulation, special reduced tariffs as well as advice and support on how to keep warm and save money on your bills."

Anyone who is concerned about their fuel costs or those of a relative, neighbour or friend, should call the Home Heat Helpline free on 0800 33 66 99 to see if they are one of the Missing Millions.