Warm Front scheme criticised by charity

11/09/2008

The government's Warm Front heating scheme is facing increasing numbers of complaints from the elderly.

According to Age Concern, a charity, over 5,000 pensioners have expressed their unhappiness with the service over the past 12 months.

The scheme provides extra cash for the elderly to help them keep their homes warm - but many people have expressed concern over delays from workmen helping to put extra insulation in homes.

What's more, some have even asked elderly householders to help pay for the work, the BBC reports.

The charity's complaint comes as the government launches its new £1 billion energy plan today - which includes an increase in the home insulation service offered to low-income houses.

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, said: "Energy efficiency measures are a key part of the long-term solution to fuel poverty, but problems with the schemes the government are using to reach low income households are leaving many without the help they need."

Energy bills in the UK have increased by as much as 40 per cent for consumers over the past year. ADNFCR-1819-ID-18775443-ADNFCR