Date: 01 December 2022
Reference Number: 5959
Support available to residents this winter
On Fuel Poverty Awareness Day (2 December), Cheshire West and Chester Council is reminding residents of the support available to them this winter.
National Energy Action, a national charity aiming to end fuel poverty, estimates 6.7 million households are currently in the grip of fuel poverty following a 130 per cent increase to gas prices over the last 18 months.
The Council is working alongside a number of partners across the borough to provide support to residents this winter.
Home Upgrade Grant
Funding has been secured from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to provide Home Upgrade Grants to households in properties that do not use gas as their main source of heating. These could include homes that use electric, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), oil or solid fuel to heat their homes. The grants will provide eligible households with funding to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, helping them to reduce their energy bills.
Some of the measures the grant can be used for include funding for external and internal wall insulation, loft insulation, under-floor insulation, air source heat pumps, single glazed windows and door upgrades, high heat retention electric storage heater and solar panels.
Full details of the grant, including eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the Council’s website: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/homeenergyhelp or by calling 0300 123 8 123 to request an application form.
For more information on various energy efficiency schemes which you may be eligible to apply for, visit: Home energy | Cheshire West and Chester Council
Warm, Welcoming SpacesA network of Warm, Welcoming Spaces have been set up in various venues across the borough, providing people with a place where they can go, for free, to stay warm, feel safe and connect with others in their community.
Libraries, some Brio Leisure Centres, Chester Grosvenor Museum and the Lion Salt Works in Northwich are part of the scheme. Many churches and community venues have also opened their doors as part of the initiative and more venues are joining regularly.
For a full list, details of opening times and activities on offer visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/warmspaces
Cllr Matt Bryan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Climate Emergency, said: “As we head into winter, many residents are understandably concerned about the rising cost of living and how they will heat their homes.
“We know that making homes more energy efficient so that they remain warmer is one of the best long-term solutions to the cost-of-living crisis and I would urge anyone eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant to make an application today.
“We’re extremely grateful to the range of local organisations working together with us to support residents during these worrying times. Anyone needing support can find details of a range of organisations that can provide help on the Council website: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/costofliving or by calling: 0300 123 8123.”