Help for those suffering from fuel poverty (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Help for those suffering from fuel poverty

12:21pm Monday 8th February 2010

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A NEW effort is being made to try and tackle the problem of fuel poverty across the Hambleton district.

A household is deemed to be suffering from fuel poverty when it has to spend more than ten per cent of its income on heating bills.

In Hambleton there are around 17 per cent of people on low incomes living in homes with poor energy efficiency – but the district council wants to cut that to 1.5 per cent by 2016.

It has engaged the Energy Saving Trust advice centre and appointed a co-ordinator, Peter Bridgstock, to see the project through.

"Last December was the coldest since 1995 which caused problems across the district," he said.

"Living in a cold home can cause health problems, make existing health problems worse, lead to social exclusion and reduced educational achievements for children.

"High fuel prices, combined with poor energy efficiency and low incomes only make things worse."

He will be working with partners to promote the take up of grant schemes, issue advice and ensure people are not missing out on qualifying benefits.

A series of roadshows on heat loss, simple measures and advice to take, grants and fuel debt will also be staged as well as targeted mailshots.

The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit organisation providing free, impartial and expert advice on how to stop wasting energy.

Its advice centre manager, Matt Lewer, said: "A detailed action plan has been developed to tackle the issues and we look forward to working with the council to implement this and reporting on its success."

*The advice team can help people manage fuel bills and help them save up to £300 a year with some simple tips. Call the team free on 0800 512 012 or email advice@est-nyh.org.uk

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