Patsy McGlone 22nd September 2010

McGlone Welcomes Warm Homes Scheme to Cookstown

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, welcomed the Warm Homes Scheme to Cookstown at a public information day at Burnavon on Wednesday 15th September. The Warm Homes Scheme is funded by the Department for Social Development. Also present at the public information day were Cookstown SDLP Councillors Mary Baker, Christine McFlynn and Peter Cassidy.

Speaking afterwards Cllr McFlynn said, “More than 40% of people in Northern Ireland live in fuel poverty and the figure is rising. Every year some of the most vulnerable in our society die because they simply cannot afford to heat their homes.

“The Warm Homes Scheme can help those on low incomes who are particularly affected by the combined forces of increasing fuel costs and the economic crisis by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

Cllr Baker added, “The scheme is free and targets, in particular, householders in receipt of a qualifying benefit with no central heating, solid fuel heating, Economy 7 or Liquid Petroleum Gas heating.

“For householders who are not Housing Executive or Housing Association tenants and are in receipt on a qualifying benefit the Scheme can also provide help with cavity wall Insulation, loft insulation, hot water tank jacket, benefit entitlement check and energy advice.

Mr McGlone ended by saying, “In the current economic climate, and with concerns about rising fuel prices, helping to make homes more energy efficient is an important way government can assist those in need.

“If anyone wants further information about the Warm Homes Scheme they can call the Scheme’s single contact number 0800 988 0559 or go online at www.warm-homes.com. My office is also available to assist anyone looking for help to improve the energy efficiency of their home.”