Two million vulnerable homes have now been helped through the Government's scheme to tackle fuel poverty and fight climate change.

Since the Warm Front scheme began in 2000, more than £2.2 billion has been spent giving people on qualifying benefits the peace of mind they can afford to heat their homes in the winter.

In the last financial year alone, the Warm Front scheme helped more than 233,000 homes in England totalling £397 million, with most housing someone over 60 years old.

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Energy and Climate Change Minister David Kidney said: "Helping two million homes stay warm by reducing the cost of fuel bills is a massive achievement.

"With the rise in fuel costs and the increased need for us all to save energy, the work the Warm Front scheme is doing has never been more important.

"We recognise this, which is why we put more money into the scheme and increased the grant levels so people in the hardest to heat properties can benefit and play their part in fighting climate change.

"By cutting emissions, the UK is putting itself in the shop window as a leader in tackling climate change ahead of the crucial global talks in Copenhagen in December."

(CD/GK)