§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what priority the home efficiency scheme gives to(a)the elderly and (b)low-income priority groups. [22890]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Government's main programme for tackling fuel poverty in the private sector in England is the home energy efficiency scheme (HEES), which is now marketed as 'The Warm Front Team'.
HEES has been developed to help tackle the problem of fuel poverty, which is caused by a combination of energy inefficient housing and low incomes. Certain people are particularly vulnerable to cold-related ill health—the old, families with children, the disabled and the long term sick. HEES is targeted at these priority households, providing two levels of financial assistance for the installation of insulation and heating measures dependent upon the needs of the householder and property type.
HEES—up to £1,500 for low income households with children under 16, disabled persons or those suffering a long term sickness on a qualifying benefit; andHEES Plus—up to £2,500 for over-60s on an income related benefit.All applications to the scheme are treated equally in terms of priority.