Vince Cable

Vincent Cable MP expressed concern that too little progress was being made locally on a government scheme to help pensioners, disabled people and other vulnerable groups insulate their homes and improve domestic heating systems.

On Friday he met Mrs Langrish of Twining Avenue, one of the recent beneficiaries of the Warm Front Scheme. But he expressed concern that only 703 households in the Twickenham area - 500 of them pensioners - had taken up the offer - worth about £1,000 a home: "It is surprising that with so many pensioners and others in fuel poverty, struggling to keep warm, only a small number have come forward to claim under the Scheme which is worth, on average, £1,000 in installation costs and saves, on average, almost £200 a year. Even for those pensioners who do not qualify, there are £300 in vouchers which can be used for heating installation or repairs.

"If people want to find out more about the Scheme they can contact the company which operates it, EAGA, on 0800 316 2805."