25.01.12
Councils awarded funding for fuel poverty programme
Councils in West Sussex have successfully bid for £617,800 funding to tackle fuel poverty and increase emergency response capacity during cold weather.
The Warmer West Sussex programme, funded by the Department of Health, will see energy assessors carrying out surveys of property, and subject to criteria and availability, may offer free insulation.
The programme will also increase the capacity of local voluntary and statutory organisations, and signpost wider assistance for tenants suffering from fuel poverty.
West Sussex Citizen Advice Bureau will conduct home visit benefit checks, the British Red Cross and parish councils will buy ‘winter packs’ and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service will increase its capacity to deliver home fire safety checks.
Cllr Janet Duncton, cabinet member for housing and planning at Chichester District Council said: “We don’t want any of our residents to suffer during the cold winter months.
“That’s why we’ve teamed up with all the local authorities to secure this funding. Eligible residents across the district, and all ofWest Sussex, will be offered free home visits from qualified energy assessors, managed by Climate Energy. They will help you get the best deal on your energy, as well as offering advice on using heating controls effectively and saving energy in your home.
“There will also be up to £50 of free energy saving equipment available, such as draught-proofing, hot water tank jackets, and energy monitors.”
The programme is supported by wellbeing hubs, Prevention Assessment Teams, Carers Support Service and Age UK, and will run until the end of March 2012.