The Warm Front scheme is a key part of the Government's strategy to tackle fuel poverty in England. It was launched in June 2000 to help people who get income and disability-related benefits to have warmer, healthier homes.

Overseen and funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), its main aim is to provide grants to insulate and heat the homes of people who own their homes or rent privately.
We manage the scheme on behalf of the Government in the East Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire and Humberside.

Warm Front is aimed at those most vulnerable to fuel poverty and the effects of the cold - the over 60s, families with young children and people with disabilities. More than 700,000 homes have benefited from Warm Front since the scheme began.

We're committed to tackling fuel poverty and Powergen Warm Front is one way we can help more people have warmth they can afford. We're constantly aware of our duty to help those most at risk and we aim to help as many as possible improve their quality of life, especially those who might otherwise struggle to make their homes warm and comfortable.

"I first heard about Warm Front from our local BBC radio station and I contacted them and applied for a grant. A surveyor came and had a look at the place and found we didn't have cavity wall insulation and saw we only had about five inches in the loft."

"Within a short space of time, they came and installed the cavity wall insulation and loft insulation; they were very quick and very efficient. The warmth in the house improved dramatically."

"Then the boiler died and so we contacted Warm Front again. They looked at the system and as it was so old, they fitted a new one for us. It's fantastic. We've got hot water and heating and because of the insulation, it's now lovely and warm."

"I am a volunteer with a local group that helps older people get around so I recommend Warm Front so that others can benefit too."

G Bradley, Norwich

We're proud of what we've achieved. But we're also aware we need to build on it and keep working hard to make sure we target the most vulnerable. That means we'll be building even stronger links with our stakeholders next year to reach those who need our help most.

The Government's Fuel Poverty Strategy First Annual Report 2003 shows headway has been made in reducing the number of households in fuel poverty. However, there are still many people who live in cold, damp homes and cold-associated illnesses and even death can be avoided through proper heating and insulation.

We continue working very closely with Defra, local authorities and the voluntary sector so that our expertise can be used to target people who would benefit most from Warm Front.
 

Fast facts

There are two kinds of Warm Front grant - Warm Front and Warm Front Plus.

Warm Front provides a range of insulation and heating improvements up to £1,500 to households who own their own homes or privately rent them and who receive a qualifying income or disability-related benefit.

Warm Front Plus provides the same range of insulation and heating improvements as Warm Front but, if the householder is 60 or over, they can be eligible for a new gas or electric central heating system worth up to £2,500.