MPs warm to Wellbeing advice on Fuel Poverty
Arun District Council’s Home Energy visiting service has been praised as an example of best practice by the energy charity National Energy Action at a national award ceremony in Manchester after winning the Community Action Award earlier this year.
Home Energy Visitors Jo Williamson and Emma Pagett were invited by the charity to give expert evidence to an All Party Parliamentary Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency Group of MPs on the dangers of fuel poverty.
Jo Williamson said: “I told the MPs about the dangers of fuel poverty and how it can affect anyone of any age”.
“Here at Arun we try our best to help people who struggle to afford to heat their homes properly during the winter months.”
Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I am delighted the Home Energy Visitors have won a national award and have given a presentation to MPs of all political persuasions.
“It is very pleasing that this important service is getting national recognition. With winter on its way I would urge as many people as possible to use this award-winning service.
“I would particularly encourage anyone who has not switched their energy tariff to contact our Home Energy Visitors. A warm home discount may be available and people who claim this could be entitled to a £140 rebate, so please contact our Home Energy Visitors.”
Maria Wardrobe, Director of External Affairs at NEA said: “More than 7% of households in Arun are experiencing the impacts of fuel poverty and local authorities and community groups working in partnership are vital to helping them. I’m delighted that Arun District Council has won a Community Action Award for their work and I would like to thank British Gas for supporting the initiative.”
If you would like help and advice please call 01903 737862.
Visit the Arun Wellbeing website for information about local wellbeing services in your area.