INSTALLING £60,000 worth of energy saving measures to 400 homes is one of the targets for Malvern Hills District Council next year.

The Council has put together an "affordable warmth strategy" which it hopes will reduce fuel bills and improve housing conditions in the district, particularly for elderly people and people claiming benefits.

It offers a number of energy saving schemes such as Home Repair Assistance grants worth £150 for small repairs and insulation work and provides advice and discounts for energy saving work such as loft insulation.

MHDC has also developed its very first Fuel Poverty Report and is planning to undertake a district-wide fuel poverty survey over the next two years.

Fuel poverty results from low income, poor home energy efficiency such as a lack of insulation, inefficient heating systems and under-occupation.

To reduce the number of "fuel-poor homes" the Council wants more people to take up grants such as the new Home Energy Efficiency Scheme grant (HEES) to improve their homes so that their fuel bills are reduced.

People in receipt of benefit can claim up to £2,000 to reduce heating bills.

These schemes form part of the Council's overall Housing Strategy for 2002-2005 which was considered by the council's Executive Board on Tuesday.

The strategy sets out objectives and targets for providing "a decent home for all" in Malvern over the next five years.