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Government to increase CERT funding

03 January 2008

The government recently announced further funding for its Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) plans.

These plans are designed to help eradicate fuel poverty and could see older people receive lower energy bills in their homes, as they often struggle to heat their homes, especially as utility prices rise.

At the launch of the scheme, environment minister Phil Woolas said: "It's hugely concerning that thanks to rising fuel prices, more people are having to spend a large portion of their income on heating their homes.

"Over the next three years, that will mean £1.5 billion to install better insulation, improve heating systems, and a wide range of other measures that will see people spending less on their heating and electricity bills."

The plans mean that suppliers will have to install home-based energy efficiency measures for people on low incomes, those with disabilities and the over 70s.

Neil Marshall, chief executive of the National Insulation Association, welcomed the government's plans to make over 70s and those with low incomes eligible for free insulation of their property.

Mr Marshall added that older people should consider cavity wall insulation, as it is "the most cost-effective way of improving comfort levels and reducing energy use in the home", making average savings of £90 per year.

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