A helping hand out of fuel poverty
Friday, 6 January, 2012
Commenting on the claims this week by Save the Children in Wales that many families in Wales who are struggling to heat their homes do not know how to claim the discounts they are entitled to, Cllr Janet Finch-Saunders AM said:
"It is appalling that in this 21st century people in Wales should still be living in fuel poverty.
"Families can claim up to £120 in fuel discount through the UK Government’s Warm Home Discount scheme. Around 42,280 families in Wales would be eligible for help.
"Of course, there are plenty of additional precautions families can take to protect against the cold this winter, such as ensuring their homes are properly insulated.
"And don’t forget, there is always someone to talk to. Either your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau or political representative will always be happy to advise. I would urge anyone struggling to get in touch with someone who can help as soon as they can."
Information about the Warm Home Discount scheme is available at
www.direct.gov.uk or at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
There is also guidance on Janet’s website here.
Help-llaw Allan o Dlodi Tanwydd
Tra’n sylwadau ar hawliadau wythnos yma gan Achub y Plant bod llawer o deuluoedd yng Nghymru yn ei gweld hi’n anodd gwresogi eu cartrefi, a ddim yn ymwybodol amdano’r gostyngiadau mae ganddynt hawl iddo, dywedodd Cyng. Janet Finch-Saunders AC:
"Mae hi’n warthus bod pobl yng Nghymru yn byw mewn tlodi tanwydd yn yr 21ain ganrif.
"Gall teuluoedd hawlio hyd at £120 mewn gostyngiadau tanwydd trwy gynllun ‘Cartrefi Cynnes’ Llywodraeth y DU. Mae tua 42,280 o deuluoedd yng Nghymru yn gymwys am gymorth.
"Wrth gwrs, mae yna nifer o ragofalon ychwanegol gall deuluoedd cymryd i amddiffyn eu hunain yn erbyn yr oerfel Gaeaf yma megis sicrhau bod tai wedi’u hinswleiddio’n gywir.
"A pheidiwch anghofio bod yna bob amser rhywun i gael i fenthyg clust. Bydd naill ai Citizen’s Advice Cymru, neu gynrychiolwyr gwleidyddol yn ddigon hapus i gynorthwyo a chynghori. ‘Rwyf yn annog unrhyw un sy’n ei chael hi’n anodd cysylltu â rhywun cyn gynted ag y bu modd."
Mae gwybodaeth am y cynllun ‘Cartrefi Cynnes" ar gael ar:
www.direct.gov.uk neu www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Mae yna hefyd canllawiau ar gael ar wefan Janet yma .