Merton Council has pledged to take action against rocketing fuel bills which will add £30m to the cost of heating the borough’s homes this winter.

Earlier this month, local environmental group Sustainable Merton calculated the alarming figure and claimed inflated prices “threatened lives” of hundreds of elderly and vulnerable residents, deterred from adequately heating their homes.

But the council is investing £100,000 to run the London Warm Zone scheme in Merton, delivering energy saving services to residents over 65 rather than just the statutory 70-plus age group.

Merton Council cabinet member for the environment, Councillor David Simpson, said: “We are offering a range of money and energy saving schemes to look after our most vulnerable residents.

“Knowing how to save energy in the home and how to apply for grants could save many residents hundreds of pounds a year as well as cut down significantly on carbon emissions.”

As a result of the investment, 182 Merton lofts and 96 properties with cavity walls have been insulated through London Warm Zones since January.

About 250 lofts and another 92 houses with cavity walls are to be insulated through the scheme by Christmas. More homes are scheduled to be surveyed.

Another £75,000 will help residents living in council properties to decrease energy consumption and bring down fuel bills.

Sustainable Merton’s Tom Walsh welcomed the measures but called for more action against the hike in energy prices.

He said: “The total residential energy bill in Merton is set to climb by over £30m this year, rising from £72m to £104m. That’s over £1,300 per household.

“This unprecedented hike in fuel prices is being imposed on us and we have to pay it because we are too dependent on imported energy.

“In partnership with Merton Council we will be approaching the Mayor of London calling for him to champion our cause.”

In partnership with Merton Seniors Forum, the council will be hosting an Energy Advice Day at the Civic Centre on October 17 between 10am and 2pm. Anyone interested in receiving energy saving advice and information is welcome.

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