Thirteen per cent of households in Romford are living in fuel poverty, a national charity has warned.

Fuel poverty means people can’t afford to heat their homes to the level needed for their comfort and well being. Living in a cold home can cause or exacerbate conditions including strokes, heart attacks and bronchitis.

To combat this, National Energy Action (NEA) is encouraging homeowners and tenants in the area to see if they are eligible for free help making their homes warmer and more energy efficient.

The government’s “Warm Front” scheme provides grants of up to �3,500 to fund insulation and central heating systems, or up to �6,000 if your home isn’t connected to the gas network.

But with the scheme now in its final year NEA is urging households to apply so they don’t miss out.

Chief exec Jenny Saunders said: “It is important to save energy, but we also want to make sure people are able to keep their homes warm. Help is available to install new insulation and efficient heating systems making energy bills more affordable and your home more cosy.”

She added: “Even if you have applied for Warm Front and been unsuccessful in the past, recent changes to the eligibility criteria mean that you may now qualify for assistance. Please take action now before these schemes close.”