The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has recently issued a news release regarding rising energy prices, and how people on benefits could claim grant assistance.

Press Release - 2 March 2006

“Don’t let energy prices leave you in the cold,” says Trust

“If you are on benefits, you could qualify for FREE home insulation, and cut your fuel bills by two-thirds,” says David Miles of the Wiltshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC), based at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

“The biting cold weather and rocketing energy prices are a double blow for people on low incomes,” says David. “Just as the temperature plummets, the price of keeping warm is getting higher.”

“The good news is that, if you’re on disability- or income-related benefits, you may be entitled to grant assistance from either the government or fuel supply companies. For some people, this means loft and cavity-wall insulation totally free of charge.”

“Just insulating your loft can save £100 off your fuel bills every year, so this is one easy way to combat those fuel price rises. Savings from cavity wall insulation can be even greater. To find out if you qualify, call the Energy Efficiency Advice Line on 0800 512012 today!”

The Trust is concerned that higher energy prices might deter people from turning their heating on, which can be a real health risk to elderly people and those with respiratory conditions. “A well-insulated home can give you the peace of mind you need to keep warm,” says David.

Being more energy efficient at home also means less CO2 emissions, the main cause of climate change.

You may qualify if you are on a wide range of benefits or tax credits, including Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit and Disability Living Allowance. Grants are available whether you own your home or rent it privately.

Notes to editors

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is one of the UK’s leading environmental charities, which recognises that the conservation of wildlife and preservation of the planet are inextricably linked, and works to promote a sustainable future for wildlife and people.

The Trust has more than 17000 members and supporters, and more than a thousand volunteers working on a range of projects from promoting energy efficiency in the home as a step towards slowing climate change, to waste prevention programmes that reduce the rubbish going to landfill sites, to working on one of the Trust’s nature reserves to conserve the Wiltshire countryside and the rich variety of plants and animals that live there.

The Trust owns or manages 2,000 acres of nature reserves that provide havens for plants and animals. It advises landowners on how to manage their land with wildlife in mind, and comments on planning applications that affect sites of wildlife interest. The Trust also actively promotes community wildlife programmes and environmental education.

For more information contact (01380) 725670 Sue Litherland, ext 222 email suel@wiltshirewildife.org, Sharon Charity, email sharonc@wiltshirewildlife.org, ext 352

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust,
Elm Tree Court
Long Street
Devizes
Wilts
SN10 1NJ

Website: www.wiltshirewildlife.org

Contact: Sharon Charity, Senior Communications Officer (01380) 725670 ext 352, email sharonc@wiltshirewildlife.org ,