To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many homeowners have declined a Warm Front grant when the total cost proposed exceeded the grant maxima; what steps his Department takes to secure funding from other sources when such homeowners are asked to pay the excess; and if he will make a statement. (119496)

Since June 2005, all eligible Warm Front applicants received a minimum of energy advice and energy efficient light bulbs.

However 2,133 householders declined a main heating measure when the grant maxima was exceeded.

These 2,133 householders account for 4.8 per cent. of all cases that exceed the grant maxima.

Of the 2,133 cases highlighted, 347 received an alternative heating measure within the grant maxima. This leaves 1,786 householders who did not receive a main heating measure.

My Department is looking at various options to reduce, and potentially remove, the need for some customers to contribute towards Warm Front measures.