WITH the cold starting to bite, thousands of elderly and vulnerable people could become ill during winter because they cannot afford to adequately heat their homes.

Despite Met Office predictions that this winter could be one of the mildest on record, Eaga Group, managers of the Government’s Warm Front Scheme, are urging people not to be put off applying for grants to improve the warmth and energy efficiency of their home.

Warm Front Director Adrian Hull said: "People shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the long, hot, summer and recent mild weather. A sudden drop in temperature could have a serious impact on anyone struggling to heat their home this winter."

Under the Warm Front Scheme, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, households in receipt of certain benefits could be eligible for a grant of up to £2,700 to help pay for heating and home insulation.

Measures available include loft and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and energy saving light bulbs. In areas where gas connections are not available, some households may qualify for up to £4,000 towards oil heating.

Homeowners and private tenants who are aged 60 or over and who are not in receipt of a Warm Front qualifying benefit may also qualify for £300 towards the cost of a heating system under the Warm Front £300 Rebate Scheme.

For more information call the Warm Front helpline free on 0800 316 2814 (quoting reference MK541). Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.