Complaints received over heating scheme

According to a recent report a number of complaints have been received by a charity for the elderly with regards to a heating plan that has been launched by the government. Age Concern officials have said that they have received an increasing number of complaints about the Warm Front heating scheme.

The scheme is designed to provide money for the elderly as well as for more vulnerable people to help them to keep their homes warm in the winter. However, in the past year Age Concern claims that it has received five thousand complaints about the scheme.

Amongst the reasons for the complaints are delays, poor service and workmanship, and the need for pensioners to contribute financially. Additional measures have recently been announced by the government to help low income families, elderly people, and the vulnerable to cope with energy costs and keep their homes warmer.

An official from Age Concern stated: “Energy efficiency measures are a key part of the long-term solution to fuel poverty, but problems with the schemes the government are using to reach low income households are leaving many without the help they need.” He added that over the past three years complaint levels had soared with regards to this scheme – something he blamed on the government.