With more snow and cold weather forecast for the next few days, Environment Minister Jane Davidson is urging people to keep warm during the current severe weather conditions.

While keeping warm in very cold temperatures is bound to impact on fuel bills Ms Davidson said she wanted to highlight the help that is available for those people facing fuel poverty.

Ms Davidson said: "In the current continuing cold spell I would like to remind people of the help that is available to pay their bills and action they can take to make their homes warmer.

"I am committed to tackling fuel poverty across Wales and to targeting funding at those most at risk from fuel poverty.

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"In Wales, people over 60 are automatically entitled to a winter fuel payment to help with heating bills. If the cold weather dips or is expected to fall below 0ºC for seven days in a row, those over 60, those with a disabled child under 5 or those in receipt of certain benefits, will also receive an extra fuel payment.

"People in Wales affected by fuel poverty can also get help through the Home Energy and Efficiency Scheme which is a Welsh Assembly Government initiative to make homes warmer and more energy efficient."

Since the Home Energy and Efficiency Scheme was set up in 2000 the Welsh Assembly Government has spent more than £100 million helping more than 100,000 householders to save an average of £220 a year on their heating bills.

Money is also available through the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target funding (CERT), which people facing fuel poverty can access via their energy supplier and pensioners in Wales can access advice on winter fuel payments via a Pensions Agency run helpdesk.

Additionally the Welsh Assembly Government’s Keep Well This Winter campaign highlights measures that people, particularly older people and those with chronic conditions, can take to protect their health during cold weather.

(CD/GK)