Government policies

Warm front

Starting dates

May 2000: introduced

2003/04: eligibility criteria widened

2005: second phase commenced

Key department DEFRA
Key delivery agency HEES referral networks: local authorities, health bodies and voluntary groups
Budget/target/comment

Previously called the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES).

Aims to improve heating and insulation of low income households who are also considered vulnerable (i.e. with dependent children, pregnant, disabled or aged 60+).  From 2003/04, includes central heating for all eligible households.

Focused on the private sector.

Provides grants of up to £2,700 (£4,000 if oil central heating is required).  Average grant of £500.

1 million households in England assisted by the programme by January 2005, with 150,000 of these taken out of fuel poverty.

Target of removing 550,000 households from fuel poverty over the period 2005 to 2010.

Expenditure of £600 million between 2000 and 2004.  Funding of £800 million over the period 2005 to 2008.

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