Hambleton Affordable Warmth

Hambleton District Council appoints Sustainability 4 Yorkshire to develop Affordable Warmth Strategy.

The Environment Department at Hambleton District Council (HDC) were allocated some funding to run a focused project on affordable warmth, fuel poverty and energy efficiency.  

Following consultation with the Council’s Cabinet a decision was made to explore the feasibility of contracting out this work, to draw on external expertise that was not internally available.  In October 2009, Sustainability 4 Yorkshire was awarded the work and has since developed an Affordable Warmth Strategy for the Council and recruited an officer to deliver the comprehensive action plan.

Sustainability 4 Yorkshire (S4Y) undertook a study of homes in region that are currently classed as ‘fuel poor’. The aim of the study is to develop an action plan and strategy to help the Council identify what actions are needed to help fuel poor residents improve their living conditions. Following a Home Energy Check questionnaire that was sent to over 11,000 residents in the region, a report was written outlining the activities that need to take place to improve the current situation. The action plan recommends activities which could increase the uptake of energy efficiency measures by the Districts householders many of which may be able to claim grants and discounts to help install the work.

The outputs from the strategy will help the Council to meet local, Regional and National goals.

Peter Bridgstock, Hambleton’s Affordable Warmth Officer, is leading on the project and is responsible for implementing the action plan.

Peter said:

“Last December was the coldest since 1995 which caused problems across the district. Imagine then not being able to afford to turn on the heating or light a fire - or having to make a choice between having a hot meal or heating your home.  This is the real situation experienced by many people."

“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.”

Matt Lewer, Energy Saving Trust advice centre Manager, added:

“It is great to see Hambleton District Council taking a proactive approach to help local residents overcome the negative effects of fuel poverty."

“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 the success.”

Sustainability 4 Yorkshire has the expertise and capability to provide you with a similar service to the Hambleton project. This resource is especially important at a time when everyone is looking to identify ways of reducing costs and exploring new ways of working.  We look forward to hearing from you.

 For more information contact us on 01904 554406