Tom Brake MP supports Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

3.06.17pm GMT Tue 9th Feb 2010

Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington is supporting Fuel Poverty Awareness Day 2010, a national campaign which aims to highlight the effects of living in a cold home on people's health.

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, run by National Energy Action (NEA) and sponsored by EDF Energy, takes place on 12th February and has received backing from high profile health professional Dr Miriam Stoppard and Government's Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson.

Having just experienced the most severe winter in over 30 years, the campaign aims to draw attention to the health problems caused by living in a cold, damp home and urges vulnerable people to keep their heating on until winter ends and temperatures start to warm up.

Last winter temperatures remained as low as minus 6 degrees well into March, leading to concerns that people may have been risking their health by turning their heating off too early in order to save money on their fuel bills.

Tom, said, "I have heard from a number of my constituents this year who are struggling to pay their fuel bills and keep their homes sufficiently warm. Statistics from National Energy Action show that nearly 8% of homes in Carshalton and Wallington are fuel poor and in the winter of 2007-2008 there were 50 Excess Winter Deaths.'

'Living in a poorly heated home can lead to health problems, especially in those who are vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with long term sickness and disabilities.'

'I am supporting Fuel Poverty Awareness day as is it is important that people know that there are schemes in place and to ensure that they keep warm and healthy for as long as the cold weather lasts. The most important message to get through to people is that there is help out there for vulnerable households. I urge anyone who is concerned about their fuel bill to contact their energy supplier or to call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to access help and advice.'