Labour call Opposition Day Debate over Warm Front Scheme

Recent statistics announced by Labour expect over 50,000 low-income households are to be left cold this winter as consumers avoid the increasing energy costs. Caroline Flint MP, Labour’s Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary revealed that as a result of a budget miscalculation, over 50% of the Warm Front Scheme fund allocation for this year will remain unspent at its closure later this month.

Flint said:

“Millions of families are turning down their heating this winter because of soaring energy bills. The most sustainable way people can cut their bills and keep their homes warm is by making their homes more energy efficient. In this cold weather it just does not make sense for Ministers to close down Warm Front when nearly half the budget has not been spent and people are crying out for help with their fuel bills.” “Unless Ministers act now and ensure Warm Front is extended until the full budget for this year has been spent, tens of thousands of families will be needlessly left in the cold.” The revelation is at the same time as the average energy bill has reached an all time high of £1,400 and the Government’s advisers are warning an additional 300,000 people could be pushed into fuel poverty this winter.

As a result, Labour has called for an Opposition Day Debate in the House of Commons later this month at which they will question the Government on its allocation of the budget.