NEWS FROM NUMBER TEN!

Home Energy Saving Programme

In today's world of scarce oil, rising costs and climate change, the new reality of higher global energy prices is hitting all of us hard, and I am determined to do everything possible to help British families cut their energy bills both this winter and over the longer term.

So this morning the government announced a new £1 billion package of measures to help people save money whilst saving energy as well.

Every home in Britain will now be able to get at least 50% off a range of energy efficiency devices like loft and cavity wall insulation - saving the average household up to £300 a year on their energy bills. And 11 million lower income and pensioner households will qualify for this help completely free of charge.

We will also work with the energy companies to increase the number of people who pay their bills by direct debit - saving the average household between £100 and £150 a year. And we will ensure that people using pre-payment meters do not face tariffs that are unjustifiably higher than customers using other payment methods.

These are measures for the medium and longer term - but I understand that higher fuel bills are a reality for familes today.

That's why, in the Budget, we announced that 12 million pensioners will receive an extra £50 alongside their winter fuel payment - with those over 80 getting £100.

By the end of the year, 600,000 customers will be seeing the benefits of discounted bills - with prices not rising at all for almost half a million of the most needy households this winter.

And to help protect the old and vulnerable from the effects of severe weather conditions, cold weather payments for this winter will be increased from £8.50 to £25 a week.

Our objective is nothing less than a sea change in energy efficiency and consumption, at the same time as helping the most vulnerable pay their bills this winter. This is the right approach, prioritising permanent and not just one-off changes and offering lasting benefits and fairness for all families.

It is an approach that will cut bills not just this year but every year, and I invite you to read more about it on the Number 10 website.








Gordon Brown