Don't be left out in the cold this winter

Keep warm this winter says MP Rowen

Fuel poverty campaigners' are making a concerted effort to raise awareness of how energy efficiency can make homes warmer and cheaper this winter.

The Warm Homes Campaign 2008 aims to cut the number of excess winter deaths and reduce cold-related illnesses by raising awareness of the help available to people who cannot afford to heat their homes in winter.

The campaign is organised by the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) and is designed to raise awareness of the problem of fuel poverty and the various grants and schemes that are available to vulnerable households struggling to heat their homes.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is supporting the scheme. "This winter is going to be a difficult time for many households in Rochdale," he said. "High energy prices have driven the number of fuel poor in the UK to over 5 million. 1 in 5 households in the UK will face poor health, isolation, debt and worry due to fuel poverty this winter.

"Improving energy efficiency is a powerful and sustainable way to bring people's energy bills down and make homes healthier to live in and is something I have campaigned on over many years.

"The most important message of this campaign is that there is help out there for vulnerable households. I urge everyone to contact Warm Front and find out if they are eligible for funding."