More than 5000 households across North Somerset
currently live in fuel poverty.
This is defined as the need to spend more than 10% of household
income on fuel to achieve a healthy and comfortable living
environment.
Electricity and gas prices have risen by 44% and 63%
respectively since 2003 while the latest round of price rises will
see bills approaching £1000 becoming the norm for millions of
households.
There are many more deaths during the winter months from
cold-related illnesses caused by living in cold, damp and
poorly-heated homes.
This problem affect mainly poor and vulnerable households such
as Disabled people, families with young children, older people and
the chronically ill.
We are currently working to identify these households within the
district and have developed an Affordable Warmth Action Plan to
address fuel poverty issues.
Affordable warmth means improving the heating and insulation in
a home to help reduce the number of fuel poor households.
The Government is committed to ending fuel poverty in England
for vulnerable groups by 2010 and all households by 2016.
Please look out for the following tell-tale signs which could
indicate there is a problem with a friend, relative or neighbour
keeping their home warm:
- Their home feels cold or draughty
- Their home smells of damp
- There is no visible form of heating
- There is only one heated room
- There are pools of water on the window sills
- If you have any concerns about a friend, relative or
neighbour please contact our
Home Energy Efficiency Officer on 01934 426686.
The North Somerset Affordable Warmth Partnership brings together
local agencies including North Somerset Council, Avon Fire and
Rescue, Pension Services, Somerset Age Concern, North Somerset Care
and Repair and others to identify those who are living in cold
homes and struggling with fuel costs. Regular Safe and Warm
events take place across the district where members of the public
can obtain use ful information and advice about the services within
the Partnership. Briefing sessions on Fuel Poverty and Home
Energy Efficiency are provided to members to raise awareness of
issues when making home visits. A referral mechanism is in
place for referrals between agencies.
For more information contact our
Home Energy Efficiency
Officer.
