Affordable warmth strategy. July 2008

Transcription

1 Affordable warmth strategy July 2008

2 Contents Foreword 3 Introduction 4 What is affordable warmth? 4 Vulnerable households and effects of fuel poverty 4 Benefits of affordable warmth 5 Fuel poverty in Herefordshire 5-6 Affordable warmth policy context 6-7 The strategy development process 7 Introduction to action plan 8 Action plan 9-18 Appendix 1 List of organisations who contributed to the development of the strategy 19 Appendix 2 Key websites 19 Glossary 19 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 2

3 Foreword NEA, the national energy efficiency charity, was established over 25 years ago to develop and promote energy efficiency strategies and services to tackle the heating and insulation problems of low-income households, to achieve affordable warmth and eradicate fuel poverty. Cold homes, high health-care costs, cold-related illnesses, excess winter deaths and housing in poor repair, are the visible signs of fuel poverty, a problem that affects millions of households in the UK. There is now a clear Government commitment to eradicate fuel poverty for all households. NEA believes that local authorities and regional agencies are the key agents in co-ordinating the delivery of strategies to achieve this objective. In developing this strategy, Herefordshire Council and its partner agencies in the health and social care, voluntary and private sectors have demonstrated that effective partnership working is the key to success. I applaud all those who have contributed to this document, and wish them every success in implementing a strategy that will provide households with the means to heat their homes to the standard required for health and comfort, at a price they can afford. I am delighted to be able to write this foreword to the Affordable Warmth Strategy. Herefordshire Council is committed to ensuring that affordable warmth is available to all the residents of Herefordshire, especially to the most vulnerable people. A fuel poor household is one that cannot afford to keep adequately warm at reasonable cost. Many of these households often face the difficult choice of either paying for sufficient fuel to keep warm or paying for other basic necessities. This strategy has been developed after considerable consultation from a wide range of partners. The strategy and action plan it contains will help by bringing agencies together to promote energy efficiency grants, to give advice on cutting fuel bills and saving energy and to help residents gain access to benefits. It is intended that the strategy, when linked to other local initiatives, will play an important role in reducing health and debt problems associated with living in cold, energy inefficient homes and at the same time achieving comfort and energy savings for low-income households throughout the county. William Gillis, Chief Executive of NEA Cllr Olwyn Barnett Herefordshire Council would like to thank National Energy Action for their support in the development of this strategy. The council would also like to thank Warm Front for their funding. HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 3

4 Introduction Herefordshire Council is committed to improving access to affordable warmth for all residents of the county. This document describes the Affordable Warmth Strategy for Herefordshire. The strategy has been developed as a result of input from a number of key partners to form a range of aims and objectives designed to help alleviate fuel poverty. The document provides a background to fuel poverty and the present situation in Herefordshire. In addition, it includes an action plan which sets out how the incidence of fuel poverty in Herefordshire will be tackled. There were two million households in fuel poverty in the UK in One and a half million of those were in the vulnerable category, that is to say people requiring higher levels of heat. These figures are down from six and a half million and five million respectively in 1996 based on the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy 4th Annual Progress Report This is a considerable improvement. However, this figure has probably risen considerably due to the significant increase in fuel prices experienced over the last 3 years. In fact National Energy Action (NEA), the national fuel poverty charity, estimated 2.4 million people to be in fuel poverty as of June This scale of fuel poverty is not experienced in other countries which have similar, indeed much colder winter climates. What is affordable warmth? Affordable warmth is the ability to heat your home to an adequate level for household comfort and health without resulting fuel debt. Fuel poverty is the converse of affordable warmth. A household is considered to be fuel poor when it needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel to heat the home to an adequate temperature. The recommended temperatures in the home are 21ºC in the living room and 18ºC in other occupied rooms according to the World Health Organisation. There are a number of circumstances that in combination lead to fuel poverty. Lack of affordable warmth is closely linked with low incomes. It is also strongly associated with lack of insulation in the home, inefficient heating systems and high fuel prices. Vulnerable households and effects of fuel poverty In some cases people need higher levels of heat for longer periods than others. Pensioners, the unemployed, the long term sick, families with young children and the disabled often fit into this area. These groups of people may also have lower incomes and may not necessarily be in receipt of state benefits. Very often those least well off live in the poorest and oldest housing. Under occupation is also a factor, especially for older owner-occupiers. In addition, those heating systems that are the cheapest to buy and install are often the most expensive to run. The situation is potentially made even worse for those who pay for fuel by prepayment meters, for which the tariffs are significantly higher than the cheapest available for customers who pay by direct debit. As a result of action already taken to improve energy efficiency by social landlords it is now estimated that almost three-quarters of fuel poor households nationally are in the private sector. The private rented sector has the highest proportion of residents at risk of fuel poverty. Those reliant on expensive heating systems, i.e. open solid fuel fires, peak electric heaters or portable bottled gas/paraffin heaters, are likely to be the most at risk of fuel poverty. There is a close connection between fuel poverty and health. Cold homes are linked to high rates of winter mortality, especially amongst the elderly. Heart attacks and strokes are exacerbated by the cold. According to the Office of National Statistics data, in the winter of 2005/06 (December to March) there were an estimated 25,700 more deaths in England and Wales compared to levels in the non-winter period. Cold and damp conditions promote mould growth which are connected with bronchitis and asthma. Fuel poverty has an impact on quality of life, places increasing demands on health and housing services and causes marginalisation of households on low incomes. HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 4

5 Benefits of affordable warmth There are a number of positive outcomes as a result of reducing fuel poverty. A warm house reduces the risk of circulatory and respiratory disease, this in consequence reduces the burden on the health service. Disposable incomes are increased due to lower fuel bills from more energy efficient homes, affordable heating systems and the most suitable fuel payment arrangement. A sufficiently heated and well insulated home is much less likely to suffer from damp and mould growth which can have an impact on the structure of a house and the occupant s health. From an environmental perspective, more efficient use of fuel reduces the burning of fossil fuels and emissions produced which in turn helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change. All of the above factors lead to improved thermal comfort and quality of life of Herefordshire residents. Fuel poverty in Herefordshire Tackling fuel poverty It is difficult to give an accurate figure of fuel poverty in Herefordshire as numbers are constantly changing. This section therefore intends only to give an indication of fuel poverty levels. A House Condition Survey was conducted in 2005 throughout all tenure in Herefordshire. This was compiled into a report. Chapter 8 of the report considers energy efficiency and fuel poverty in dwellings. This information is described below. In 2005 there were an estimated 8,540 (10.7%) dwellings in fuel poverty in Herefordshire compared to approximately 11% in England based on 2001 English House Condition Survey data, although the figure is likely to have reduced in England since The highest rate of fuel poverty is found in the privately rented sector where 17.3% of dwellings are in fuel poverty, compared to the lowest rate of 9.6% in housing association stock. By the very nature of fuel poverty, it is always associated with those residents on the lowest incomes. No dwellings were found to be in fuel poverty where household incomes were above 15,000 per annum, only 310 dwellings where income was above 10,000 per annum and the remaining 8,230 (96.4%) were found where household incomes are below 10,000 per annum. Fuel poverty is usually associated with dwellings where one or more residents are in receipt of a means tested benefit, due to such benefits being indicative of low income. This is true in Herefordshire where fuel poverty is found in 4,290 households (16.9%) where a benefit is received, compared to 7.8% of dwellings that are not in benefit receipt Unlike many of the other condition variables, fuel poverty is not strongly associated with the rural stock. This is due to the fact that the poorest households, particularly those in receipt of means tested benefit, predominate in the urban areas of the district. Ross & South and Leominster & North have the highest rates of fuel poverty by area. Figure 1 illustrates the geographical areas most strongly associated with fuel poverty. It is also useful to build a picture of population figures by age, income and employment levels so to be able to look at how best to tackle fuel poverty. There are a number of Herefordshire specific key Issues: An ageing population - Herefordshire has an older age profile than both the West Midlands region and England and Wales, with a noticeably higher proportion of its population in the older age groups. People aged 60 and over constitute 26.1% of the county s population, in comparison with 21.1% nationally based on Office of National Statistics HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 5

6 2004 data. According to the State of Herefordshire Report 2006 the 60 and over group is also rising. From 1998 to 2004 there was an increase from 26,700 to 29,300 for age groups and 15,000 to 17,100 for 75+ age groups. Rural isolation - this makes access to services for vulnerable groups difficult. Local causes - many Herefordshire properties are old and solid walled in isolated areas that are off the gas network. Approximately 52% of Herefordshire properties are in fact off the gas network. These factors can cause homes to be very energy inefficient. On a national level according to the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group fifth report 2006, about 25% fuel poor are not on the relevant means tested benefits or tax credits or disability benefits where it is likely that a large portion of these would be eligible. Energy efficiency of housing A useful indicator to help assess the extent of fuel poverty in Herefordshire is the SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating of individual homes. The SAP is a government rating for energy efficiency of a dwelling. All figures are based on the old SAP 2001 scale of 1 to 120. The higher the number the better the energy rating for that dwelling. The current SAP 2005 scale works from 1 to 100. The average SAP rating for a private sector dwelling in Herefordshire is 52 (see figure 2). Comparisons with the national average are difficult as the SAP rating system worked on a different scale previous to the (SAP 2001) scale. However the 2005 Herefordshire House Condition Survey shows that Herefordshire has an average SAP rating significantly below the national average calculation of This provides quite conclusive evidence that the energy efficiency of private housing in Herefordshire is poorer than is the case nationally. A SAP level of 65 is the Government s estimate of the level of energy efficiency at which there is minimal risk of fuel poverty. This should therefore be an indicative target to be aimed for. Affordable warmth policy context National policy background The aim of the strategy is to play an important role towards eradicating fuel poverty in line with the Government Fuel Poverty Strategy 2001, written following the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act In England, the Government as far as reasonably practicable will seek to end fuel poverty for vulnerable households by Fuel poverty in other households in England will also be tackled with a target that by 2016 no person in England should have to live in fuel poverty. The majority of dwellings (66.8%) have a SAP rating between 40 and 80, which is below the average for England that fall in this range. Across England 9% of dwellings have a SAP of less than 30, compared to 12.8% in Herefordshire. There are 6,450 (8.3%) dwellings that have a SAP rating of less than 20 in Herefordshire, this is above the all England figure of 5%. HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 6

7 In addition to this the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) 1995 makes a contribution to reducing the impact of fuel poverty as energy conservation is vital in helping to provide affordable warmth in homes. It sets a target to reduce domestic energy consumption by 30% by 2011 to below the level identified in the beginning of All councils with housing Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) service - Herefordshire Council has a Service Level Agreement with the local EEAC ( ) where households can phone for free impartial energy and grant advice. Promotion of Warm Front - Herefordshire Council works to promote the government grant scheme Warm Front ( ) Member of West Midlands Fuel Poverty Forum This provides a focus for idea sharing and developing and promoting good practice with the aim of tackling fuel poverty The strategy development process responsibilities have to submit an annual report to central government on energy savings made in all housing in their area and what they are doing to promote affordable warmth in their region. The purpose of the act is to help towards tackling climate change (as part of the national climate change strategy), improve air quality and assist towards eliminating fuel poverty. To date Herefordshire Council has reported to DEFRA a reduction of domestic energy consumption of 16.12% from April 1996 to end of March Local policy background Herefordshire Council has for a number of years been involved in a range of energy activities specifically aimed at improving the energy efficiency of dwellings within the county. These initiatives help towards the aim of reducing fuel poverty and achieving affordable warmth. They include: Special Energy Efficiency Scheme (SEES) - Under Herefordshire Council s Housing Renewal Policy SEES provides a grant of up to 500 for insulation measures and heating controls to be installed in the home. NEA have worked as consultants with Herefordshire Council to aid in the process of forming the strategy. The strategy has developed through a process of consultation with a wide range and number of stakeholders with representation from: social services, welfare rights, private sector housing council departments, the Home Improvement Agency, Herefordshire Partnership, housing associations, PCT representatives, the local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, energy suppliers, local insulation and heating system installers, the Pension Service, local energy agencies and voluntary organisations: Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern and Herefordshire Lifestyles. Two very successful workshops and steering group meetings were held to gain opinions and input on issues concerning affordable warmth relating to Herefordshire. Six main aims were established as a result of the first workshop. From the second workshop, more detailed and focused objectives and tasks were formed. All information from the workshops has since been collected and organised in the form of the Affordable Warmth Action Plan. This constitutes the working part of the strategy. The Action Plan was then carefully reviewed by the steering group and a number of key organisations. The action plan is by no means definitive and will be under continual review by the steering group. HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 7

8 Introduction to action plan The Affordable Warmth Action Plan can be viewed on the following pages. The action plan contains 6 key aims: 1. Key area (1): To raise awareness of affordable warmth and its related issues 2. Key area (2): To effectively coordinate affordable warmth activity between partners to establish a joined up approach 3. Key area (3): To maximise efficiency in use of resources and secure funding to implement affordable warmth 4. Key area (4): To apply new solutions in implementing affordable warmth action plan 5. Key area (5): To ensure consideration of issues relating to all housing tenures in the implementation of affordable warmth action plan 6. Key area (6): Establish an integrated system of high quality energy efficiency and income maximisation advice Each aim has a number of objectives each of which have key tasks/actions with their own targets or outcomes. The timescale for the key tasks are: : Medium: Long: Up to 1Year 1-2 Years 2-3 Years HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 8

9 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY Herefordshire Affordable Warmth Action Plan Action Plan - Key area (1): To raise awareness of affordable warmth and its related issues Objectives Key tasks/actions Targets/Outputs Timescales Partners Develop planned approach to promotional work to maximise publicity of affordable warmth Develop marketing strategy with annual review Research all media contacts, plan venues and Affordable Warmth promotional material Local authority public Create displays of assistance and benefits of energy relations and media efficiency in appropriate venues officers Local media Provide incentives (low energy light bulbs) to offer Dialogue with energy suppliers to obtain incentives Parish magazines public at promotional events Benefits agency High profile launch of new strategy to wide range of Health authority Promote Affordable warmth strategy partners Information shops Surestart Design 200 affordable warmth information packs for Parish groups staff and 1000 packs for public audience with Age Concern summary leaflet, posters and simple assistance Citizens advice flow-chart bureau Faith groups Develop promotional campaign for Energy Efficiency Carry out 5 events annually Energy Suppliers week, Health days, the start of heating season, Warm University of the Third Homes week and other appropriate events Age Leominster and District Branch Develop programme of presentations List organisations who would benefit from presentations Prepare presentations for target audience 15 presentations annually including talks directed to ethnic minority and community groups Increase Promote energy efficiency and affordable warmth in Identify opportunities in curriculum for introducing Affordable Warmth awareness of schools energy efficiency issues affordable warmth Energy Efficiency issues through 5 presentations to schools per year Advice Centre partnerships with Schools/ Colleges educational Develop school to home links Produce 100 advice packs for children to take home Scouts/Guides organisations SHYPP Promote energy efficiency with children and young Identify and prioritise groups people s groups 5 presentations to groups 9

10 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY Herefordshire Affordable Warmth Action Plan Action Plan - Key area (2): To effectively coordinate affordable warmth activity between partners to establish a joined up approach Objectives Key tasks/actions Targets/Outputs Timescales Partners Develop partner Establish steering group and extent of representation Write terms of reference Affordable Warmth commitment to the of stakeholder organisations strategy and Primary care groups targets Quarterly steering group meetings Social services Health Sector Voluntary sector agencies Improve Understand how partners interrelate Develop database of networks and contacts Affordable Warmth coordination, communication Identify and target key partner organisations ensuring Keep database up to date and awareness at representation from social services, health and a practical level voluntary sector agencies Monitor and review partners and seek to develop new links considering implications of how they can best be involved Improve Ensure affordable warmth is included in appropriate Integrate affordable warmth within health, Medium Affordable Warmth communication at strategy documents environment and social strategies/plans a strategic level, horizontally and Include affordable warmth in Community Strategy, Councillors vertically Housing Strategy and Housing Renewal Policy Link decent homes to fuel poverty possibly by health and safety rating system and reasonable degree of thermal comfort criterion cross referencing with Housing Strategy and Housing Renewal Policy Establish council commitment to deliver aims with Present affordable warmth strategy to all elected annual review within Service and Directorate plans representatives Identify an Elected Member energy champion 10

11 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 11 Monitor, review, and communicate Affordable Warmth Action Plan progress Improve links with energy suppliers and energy efficiency related companies Develop partnerships with health sector Work with Elected Member energy champion to influence the scrutiny process to ensure affordable warmth considerations included as part of scrutiny process Include affordable warmth as an integral part of Herefordshire s sustainable development work Decide on fuel poverty indicators to measure progress Establish baseline to effectively monitor improvements Update and revise the affordable warmth strategy Develop communication strategy to engage with energy suppliers Ensure public are kept informed of energy supplier related energy efficiency, grant and social tariff advice Develop projects taking advantage of EEC 3 funding Ensure health professionals are aware of health benefits of warm dry homes Raise awareness of link between energy efficiency and health and housing Ensure thermal comfort of people leaving hospital using repairs on prescription and rapid response and other handyman services Explore further ways to strengthen links with health sector to bring about affordable warmth Effective dialoguing with developers and planning to encourage sustainable/low energy design based on code for sustainable homes guidance Assess which indicators give clear picture of fuel poor households Write annual progress report and regular newsletters Sustain regular, routine contact with energy suppliers Explore potential for affordable warmth projects relevant to Herefordshire Compile contacts list of key staff Prepare and distribute awareness raising posters and leaflets for surgeries and hospitals Long Medium Affordable Warmth Energy suppliers Affordable Warmth Affordable Warmth General Practitioners Occupational Therapists

12 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 12 Identify most vulnerable rural/urban householders Maximise Herefordshire signposting scheme effectiveness in fuel poverty issues Improve data on energy efficiency of housing and fuel poor to develop a better picture of areas prone to high levels of fuel poverty Establish contact roots with fuel poor householders just outside benefit receiving bracket Insulation and heating contractors refer householders to other schemes Implement comprehensive take up of assistance campaign of Council, EEC and Warmfront grants Identify methods to reach households in rural communities Increase scheme awareness and maintain formal training and awareness raising Data map Herefordshire area according to fuel poverty situation Set up cross referral system with Warm Front Monitor uptake Warm front funded leaflet mail shots to benefit recipients Target public locations in rural areas with training, presentation sessions and promotion work Affordable Warmth Pension Service Police Ambulance Service Fire Service Welfare Rights Social Services Primary Care Team Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Voluntary organisations Energy agency Faith groups Private Sector Housing Information Shops Domestic and General Insulation Community psychiatric nurses Community safety officers Homestart or Lifestyles MIND Church groups Family groups Parish groups Community Action Post offices Mobile libraries Women s institutes

13 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY Herefordshire Affordable Warmth Action Plan Action Plan - Key area (3): To maximise efficiency in use of resources and secure funding to implement affordable warmth action plan Objectives Key tasks/actions Targets/Outputs Timescales Partners Ensure energy Address Herefordshire specific circumstances relating Look at viable options to solve Herefordshire issues Medium Affordable Warmth efficiency projects to affordable warmth (off gas network homes and are specific to good available land for biomass hard to reach/heat Herefordshire schemes) Research best practice relating to affordable warmth relevant in Herefordshire Check if present schemes and initiatives address Address gaps which can be filled Long Herefordshire issues Develop Identify resources currently available, including List financial sources available Affordable Warmth systematic funding streams for rural areas, at local, national and approach European level to develop grant schemes Council Regeneration to accessing funding Identify funding gaps and establish funding action Team plan Get affordable warmth and energy efficiency on regional funding forum agenda. Maintain and update list of grants schemes available to householders Investigate area based government funding to energy Research viability of Warmzones initiative efficiency 13

14 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY Herefordshire Affordable Warmth Action Plan Action Plan - Key area (4): To apply new solutions in implementing affordable warmth action plan Objectives Key tasks/actions Targets/Outputs Timescales Partners Overcome barriers Apply pressure for extension of mains gas grid with Monitor progress in gas mains expansion and Long Term Affordable Warmth inhibiting realistic pricing dialogue with Transco regarding future expansion Affordable Warmth plans Transco Action Plan Warmfront Explore potential for more flexible payment Dialogue with oil suppliers Energy suppliers arrangement between householders and oil suppliers Oil suppliers Lobby for fair pricing for prepayment meter Keep abreast of developments in policy and apply customers pressure to government for change Increased Warm Front and energy supplier lobbying Keep abreast of changes in policy and active in for changes to measures they offer e.g. grants for consultation relating to affordable warmth internal insulation and bulk measure schemes Develop innovative Utilise present equity release scheme and investigate Promote House Proud equity release scheme Affordable Warmth techniques options for other initiatives Research other equity release schemes Medium Council Planning Department Explore planning issues on listed buildings and Dialogue with planning to promote policies to replace buildings in conservation areas old and inefficient housing Identify potential Research generating power from agricultural land Explore biomass best practice projects Affordable Warmth to develop using biomass as an energy source renewable energy projects that Investigate the possibility of creating local biomass Identify local biomass activity and how other Medium Energy suppliers would benefit the partnerships schemes are working fuel poor Consider feasibility of renewable energy projects Tabulate which renewable sources are suitable for Medium different house, fuel type and occupant circumstances Research best practice and identify relevant initiatives in Herefordshire 14

15 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY Herefordshire Affordable Warmth Action Plan Action Plan - Key area (5): To ensure consideration of issues relating to all housing tenures in the implementation of affordable warmth action plan Objectives Key tasks/actions Targets/Outputs Timescales Partners Develop effective policy to help with under occupation and rising house prices in relation to affordable warmth Coordinate with enabling team Promote relocation using relocation grant Affordable Warmth Target those living in under occupation situations to Maximise uptake of benefits match income to living conditions Improve affordable Work with Registered Social Landlords (RSL s) to Dialogue with RSL s to identify options Affordable Warmth warmth in the incentivise installation of affordable heating systems Housing Festival housing Association sector Introduction of a regular partnership forum for RSLs Publicise energy efficiency advice and benefits Bromford housing South Shropshire Communicate effectively with RSL s concerning Increase awareness of Housing Corporation guidance Housing energy efficiency on affordable warmth Marches Housing Herefordshire Housing Encourage RSL s to develop own affordable warmth Kemble Housing strategies Coordinate a priority scheme which follows decent homes obligations with assistance offered by Housing Associations and EEC Continue to develop Eco-homes Excellent rating for social housing Medium Improve affordable Encourage private landlords to join accreditation scheme Regular Articles in landlords newsletter Tenants associations warmth in the Private Landlords, private rented Encourage clubs (tenants) to look at different/better Tenants sector tariff options Tenants Associations Distribute guidance on heating controls Promote grants and benefits of energy efficiency to landlords Distribute energy efficiency assistance material to letting agents Promotion work at annual landlords forum and landlords fair 15

16 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 16 Improve affordable warmth in owner occupier sector Promote good practice for each housing tenure Promote Warm Front, Energy supplier and council schemes Distribute affordable warmth information sheets to estate agents for home buyers Research examples of good practice relating to Herefordshire Identify opportunities for demonstration projects Ensure effective distribution of information Produce information sheets Ensure good practice is channelled to right staff for action Evaluate funding options Medium Affordable Warmth Estate agents Affordable Warmth

17 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY Herefordshire Affordable Warmth Action Plan Action Plan - Key area (6): Establish an integrated system of high quality energy efficiency and income maximisation advice Objectives Key tasks/actions Targets/Outputs Timescales Partners Make advice available to everybody Ensure advice material is available online and in Develop and maintain website and links to Affordable Warmth a variety of formats partners Sure start Target inclusively young families as well as older Advice provision to toddler groups Surgeries ones, migrant employee areas and travellers for Community centres advice Coordination through Travellers Health Project Information Shops Schools Advice material distributed to information shops Pubic places Libraries Raise awareness of advice services of Energy Distribute EEAC number CAB Efficiency Advice Centre Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Private sector housing, EAGA Energy suppliers Integrate income Maximise uptake of benefits through effective Strengthen links with Pension Service, Welfare Affordable Warmth maximisation benefit advice and promotion and support of rights and CAB into advice local benefit take up campaigns including Welfare Rights provision benefit health checks Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Ensure energy advisors trained in benefit advice All energy advisors trained Pension Service, CAB Link affordable warmth to debt management Medium Energy suppliers 17

18 HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 18 Train dedicated affordable warmth champions from key organisations involved in affordable warmth Cover all areas of affordable warmth advice provision Establish a systematic and joined up approach to energy and income maximisation advice Analyse training needs and develop plan Identify frontline staff in contact with vulnerable households Establish training system in energy efficiency, benefits and tariff advice Ensure contractors are trained in energy efficiency, benefits advice and assistance and grant schemes Ensure energy advisers are able to provide advice connected to fuel costs, different payment arrangements and tariffs. Analyse existing advice provision and identify gaps Offer guidance on risks associated with room temperature Produce guidance on effective use of heating system and controls Offer advice on energy efficient appliances and information on renewable energy Increase awareness and understanding of tariff advice and options for payment Develop comprehensive affordable warmth advice booklet with integrated energy efficiency, income maximisation and tariff advice Create a One Stop Shop solution to energy advice Review existing training 50 people trained per year Keep trained staff up-to-date Keep up-to-date file on tariff based advice Fill advice provision gaps Produce card thermometers Produce and distribute guidance sheets on the risks of temperature and condensation Produce information sheets Produce information sheets on tariff advice Distribute to information shops Analyse existing advice provision Identify and fill gaps in advice provision Affordable Warmth Voluntary sector organisations Social services, Residents associations Education and health professionals, Welfare Rights Insulation and heating contractors Energy suppliers Affordable Warmth Energywatch Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Energy suppliers Affordable Warmth Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Welfare Rights

19 Glossary of terms EAGA Energy Action Grants Agency EEAC Energy Efficiency Advice Centre PCT Primary Care Trust HECA Home Energy Conservation Act NEA National Energy Action RSL Registered Social Landlord SAP Standard Assessment Procedure AWAP Affordable Warmth Action Plan DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs CAB Citizens Advice Bureau EEC Energy Efficiency Commitment Appendix 1 List of organisations who contributed to the development of the strategy Age Concern British Gas Citizens Advice Bureau Domestic and General insulation Eaga partnership Festival Housing Greenearth Energy Herefordshire Council Enabling Team Herefordshire Council Private Sector Housing Herefordshire Council Social Services Herefordshire Council Sustainability Unit Herefordshire Council Welfare Rights Herefordshire Housing Herefordshire Lifestyles Herefordshire Partnership Home Improvement Agency Local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre National Energy Action Npower The Pension Service Primary Care Trust Severn Wye Energy Agency Appendix 2 Key Websites Eaga partnership: Energy Saving Trust: Local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre: Energywatch: National Grid Transco: NEA: Herefordshire Council private sector housing: Herefordshire Primary Care Trust: Age Concern Herefordshire and Worcestershire: British Gas: house.co.uk The Pension Service: For further information on the Herefordshire Affordable Warmth Strategy contact Harry Fitch Private Sector Housing, Herefordshire Council HEREFORDSHIRE AFFORDABLE WARMTH STRATEGY 19

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