People receiving Pension Credit are being urged to apply for grants to help insulate their homes against the cold and rising fuel bills.

Following recent well-publicised increases in energy prices, it's more important than ever that people apply for all the help available to them to make their homes energy efficient and keep the warmth in.

Minister for Pensions Reform Mike O'Brien said: "As much as £1 in every £3 spent on heating bills is wasted in poorly insulated homes.

"If you own your own home or rent it from a private landlord, you may be eligible for a free grant to insulate your walls and loft. This is in addition to the Winter Fuel Payment of £200, rising to £300 for people over 80, which has benefited more than 11.6 million pensioners this year. "The grant is available through the Government's Warm Front scheme. It's free to call, so I urge all people getting Pension Credit to ring the Energy Advice Line to find out if they are eligible for further help."

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Environment Minister Phil Woolas said: "We're seeing energy prices on the increase so it's more important than ever that homes are energy efficient and everyone receives the financial help they're entitled to.

"Insulating your home or improving your boiler can make a big difference to energy bills by stopping huge amounts of heat escaping and ensuring you use your energy more effectively which is why the Government is helping by providing funding for the people who need assistance."

(CD/JM)