Susan Kramer Backs National Campaign For Affordable Warmth For All This Winter

5.59.06pm GMT Tue 9th Dec 2008

• Susan Kramer writes: "THIS winter is going to be a difficult time for many households in the UK. High energy prices have driven the number of fuel poor in the UK to over 5 million.

"There were over 70 Excess Winter Deaths linked to cold homes in 2006-7 in my constituency - and I am really concerned that with the economic crisis more and more people will be struggling to heat their homes this winter. With high energy prices forecast to continue now until spring, higher food bills and the credit squeeze, this winter could be a perilous time for vulnerable households. Improving energy efficiency is a simple and sustainable way to bring people's energy bills down and make homes healthier to live in, and there is often help available from the Government for those in need. The most important message of this campaign is that there is help out there for vulnerable households. I urge everyone to contact the Warm Front team on 0800 408 2095 to find out if they are eligible for funding."

Susan is one of over 70 MPs, MSPs and Welsh Assembly Members across the UK who have pledged their support for the annual Warm Homes Campaign. The campaign is organised by fuel poverty charities National Energy Action (NEA) and Energy Action Scotland (EAS) - to raise awareness of the problem of fuel poverty and the various grants and schemes that are available to vulnerable households struggling to heat their homes.