§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Government's warm home scheme was introduced; how it was advertised to possible claimants; what overlap there was between this scheme and similar ones provided by local authorities; and if she will make a statement. [40330]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 4 March 2002]: The two scheme managers, TXU and Eaga, were appointed in March 2000, this enabled them to start marketing the scheme prior to the launch date of 1 June 2000. The scheme managers adopted a number of forms of advertising.
Referral networks were set up and are maintained by the scheme managers. Referral partners come into contact on a day-to-day basis with householders who may be eligible for assistance and are ideally placed to pass details directly to the scheme managers. These can involve local authority staff, Citizen Advice Bureaux, doctors, local health workers and Energy Efficiency Advice Centres.
Leaflets were issued through targeted drops and stocks left at key local venues such as post offices, local authority reception areas, libraries and supermarkets. There was also some limited use of local advertising on the radio and posters inside buses.
The consultation paper issued before the launch of the scheme, said that there would be limited funding for measures in the properties of social landlords, including properties owned by local authorities. This was limited to a maximum of £45 million or two years from the start of the scheme. All social funds available under the scheme have now been allocated.