§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received on the grant levels available under the Warm Front scheme; and what proposals she has to increase the maximum grants payable. [36400]
§ Mr. MeacherThe new Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES), marketed as the Warm Front Team, was launched on 1 June 2000. It provides two levels of financial assistance for the installation of insulation and heating measures dependent upon the needs of the householder and property type:
- HEES—£1,500 for low income households with children under 16, disabled persons or suffering long-term sickness on a qualifying benefit; and
- HEES Plus—£2,500 for over-60s on an income-related benefit.
In addition, HEES Plus recipients who live in Home Office designated high crime areas may be able to have security measures—door and window locks—provided from a separate Home Office grant.
The Department recently reviewed the individual grant maximum, taking advice from the scheme managers on expected rates of labour and materials for the coming year and representations from trade associations. As a result of this, from 15 February the grant maximums have been increased from £1,000 to £1,500 and from £2,000 to 934W £2,500 respectively. Eligibility has also been extended to include pregnant women on low-incomes in receipt of a maternity certificate.