Warm Front scheme freezes

Older people who have chosen not to find a nursing home may struggle to heat their houses after news that the Warm Front fund will not take on any more cases until April 2011.

The Warm Front scheme provides funds to families suffering from fuel poverty, which has been very much in demand as temperatures have plummeted to arctic conditions this winter.

However, due to a lack of funds, Warm Front will not be granting any more applications until the start of the next tax year.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director of Age UK, said that this decision could have a big impact on the approximately 3.5 million older people currently matching the criteria for fuel poverty.

"It's a huge concern that many frail and vulnerable older people who desperately need help to upgrade their heating systems or improve insulation will now be left to their own devices," she said.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Association has warned of cuts to council services, with many critcs warning that the move could have a large impact on people in the later stage of their life.

Find the nearest Barchester nursing home.