The joint initiative between Blackpool Council and NHS Blackpool is entitled the ‘Warm Homes Healthy People Fund’ and has arisen as a result of a joint bid to the Department of Health.

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day takes place on Friday 10 February this year. The campaign aims to draw attention to the health problems caused by living in a cold, damp home and the importance of ‘fuel poverty proofing’ through insulation measures and energy efficiency to ensure protection against future cold weather and the increasing cost of energy.

There are a range of services that will be available to residents concerned with the cost of fuel this winter, including: benefit checks and maximisation, help with switching energy suppliers and tariffs, emergency assistance for heating interventions, free energy efficiency and insulation measures as well as onward referrals to a variety of agencies that may be able to help.

Living in a cold damp home can lead to poor health, and exacerbate conditions such as respiratory and coronary problems, especially in those who are vulnerable such as older people, young children whose immune systems have not yet fully developed, and those with long terms sickness and disabilities. 

We encourage referrals into Care & Repair from any carers, social workers and health professionals if they encounter a client who is living in fuel poverty and is living in a cold environment.  The most important message is that there is help out there for vulnerable households.

The Council's Care & Repair team provide many services for older and vulnerable residents in Blackpool.  For more information about the range of services Care & Repair provide please contact us on 01253 651555, call in to see us or email care&repair@blackpool.gov.uk


Key messages from National Energy Action 

1. Fuel Poverty has adverse effects on physical and mental health. It is really important to stay warm and keep your home heated to the levels needed to keep good health. It is recommended to have ‘living room’ temperatures set between 18-21°C.

2. There is help available if you are finding it hard to pay your electricity or gas bill. The first thing to do is to contact your suppliers for advice. There is the Government’s Warm Front scheme to help those eligible receive insulation and heating measures 0800 316 2805; and the Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99 for energy advice.

3. There is also help available for people who are in or in danger of falling into fuel poverty and our updated Fuel Poverty Action document provides further information on this.