Last updated 05:34, Friday, 06 June 2008

New measures aimed at helping vulnerable and elderly people with their fuel bills have been announced by the government.

At risk: Fuel poverty affects the elderly, disabled, and young families

The proposals will see assistance given to households to improve their energy efficiency, cut costs and ensure they are on the best value tariff with their gas and electricity providers.

But campaigners criticised the plan for being a mere “reshuffling” of old ideas that did not go far enough to alleviate fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty is said to occur when a household pays more than 10 per cent of its income on energy bills.

Among the measures announced today is a pilot scheme to ensure people applying for Warm Front grants are referred to their energy supplier for tariff advice.

In addition £150,000 will be put into the rolling out of watchdog Ofgem’s national Citizens Advice Bureau awareness campaign on social assistance for the vulnerable.

Ministers also pledged £3 million as part of the low-carbon building programme to encourage microgeneration – small scale alternative energy schemes – among fuel poor communities.

Environment Minister Phil Woolas said: “Household bills are rising and purse strings are tightening. Encouraging energy efficiency is crucial because it really does cut costs – especially for those who can least afford energy price hikes.

“These new measures will make homes across the country more energy efficient and give people at risk of fuel poverty a boost where they need it most. Fuel poverty isn’t just a winter issue – it is about working all year round to improve the homes of some of the most vulnerable people in this country.”

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks added: “We have got a commitment from the energy companies now to provide an extra £225 million in social assistance by increasing their investment to £150 million per year by 2011.

“Now we are working on finding ways to get them the right information to enable them to get that money to those who need it the most.

“That is what is most important right now – making sure the most vulnerable – the elderly, the disabled and young families – aren’t cold in their own homes because they can’t pay their bills.”