A NEW fuel poverty officer has been appointed to help low income families in Kirklees to have warm homes with affordable fuel bills.

Matthew Greensmith gives advice on energy saving measures and grant schemes that are either free or at low cost to householders.

He works in Kirklees Council's Environment Unit which, in links with local and national schemes, has helped 6,500 private sector households in the last two years.

These households have benefited from a variety of energy efficient home improvement measures, including insulation and central heating installation.

Clr John Smithson, the council Cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, said: "This is excellent news. These schemes are saving primarily less well-off households over £200,000 annually on their fuel bills."

Kirklees Council first appointed a fuel poverty officer in May 2002.

The work is part of the council's commitment to bring vulnerable people out of fuel poverty by 2010, in line with Government targets.

Any Kirklees private home owners or tenants of private landlords who spend more than 10% of their disposable income on energy, who would like free advice on energy saving schemes and grants available, can contact Matthew on 01484 223602 or by email matthew. greensmith@kirklees. gov.uk