MP BACKS CALL FOR WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS FOR FAMILIES WITH SEVERELY DISABLED CHILDREN UNDER FIVE

12.11.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 12th Mar 2008

Lorely Burt MP has backed a motion in Parliament calling for the Chancellor to extend the Winter Fuel Payment to families with severely disabled children under five years of age, saying the extra costs of keeping these children warm during the winter months should be met as part of the Government's commitment to combating fuel poverty.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"The Government should extend the scheme to cover these families who are as deserving as any for extra support to keep their homes warm during the winter months.

"The Every Disabled Child Matters campaign believes the award would benefit over 40,000 families and would cost no more than £8.9million to help keep these severely disabled children warm and free from cold-related illnesses during early childhood when they are at their most vulnerable."