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<p>The Government is committed to supporting older and vulnerable people keep warm and we have a strong package of policies which are already delivering assistance to those in need. These include the Energy Company Obligation and the Warm Home Discount. ECO is expected to generate investment worth around £540 million annually to fund efficient boilers and insulation measures to some 230,000 low income and vulnerable households, including pensioner households, each year.: This year, around 2 million households will get help under the Warm Home Discount—including an automatic electricity bill discount of £135 for over 1.1 million of the poorest pensioners. The Warm Home Discount scheme is worth £1.1 billion during this Parliament.</p><p>The Government has also provided £900,000 to fund the creation of the ‘Big Energy Saving Network’ which will focus on helping consumers understand tariffs and switching options as well as how they could benefit from energy efficiency programmes available to them.</p><p>As we approach winter, my officials are seeking opportunities to maximise the use of the Energy Saving Advice Service (ESAS—contact number 0300 123 1234), which provides a referral service for ECO affordable warmth. Plans are already-in motion to promote it through existing correspondence from the Department for Work and Pensions to qualifying benefit recipients, and DECC's communications to nearly 1.5 million pensioners in the Warm Home Discount Core Group.</p><p>The Department of Health's Cold Weather Plan, supported by the Keep Warm Keep Well campaign, setting out a series of clear actions to minimise the health impact of severe winter weather on the elderly and vulnerable is due to be published in early November.</p><p>Last winter, £2.15 billion of winter fuel payments were made to 12.5 million pensioners, providing very valuable support at a time of year when it is most needed.</p><p>Cold weather payments are also made to the elderly and vulnerable during periods of very cold weather. Cold weather payments will remain at £25, for each qualifying period, for the duration of this administration.</p> |