Warmth scheme turns heat on fuel poverty

A NEW action plan to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in Oldham has been agreed by the council’s Cabinet.

The new Affordable Warmth Strategy sets out a three-year vision of how to address the problem.

The main objectives are to:

::Increase the number of residents benefiting from energy efficiency measures through increased awareness.

::Improve the energy efficiency of Oldham’s housing stock.

::Help tackle fuel poverty and improve health and well-being among the most vulnerable groups.

Fuel poverty contributes to a wide range of problems, including poor health, excess winter deaths, reduced quality of life, poor educational attainment, social isolation and debt.

Oldham continues to have areas with high levels of fuel poverty, with about 17 per cent of private households having to pay more than 10 per cent of their income to heat their homes.

There has been investment already to tackle the problem in Oldham, including more than £14million through the Government’s ‘Warm Front’ scheme which gives the over-70s, or those on certain benefits, a grant of up to £3,500 towards heating improvements.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: “Although in the past we have worked hard to improve the energy efficiency of homes and support vulnerable households, there are still people in the borough who cannot achieve affordable warmth in their homes, and with rising energy bills, the problem is likely to continue.

“Tackling the problem will only be achieved with the support of key professionals helping to identify vulnerable householders.

“While there may not be a solution in every case, we want to make sure that households suffering from fuel poverty are identified and get the most appropriate assistance.”

::For free independent advice call the Energy Savings Trust on 0800 512 012.