Affordable Warmth Policy

Fuel Poverty

Fuel poverty affects the well being of some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Those suffering from fuel poverty are potentially blighted by proportionately higher fuel bills, cold, damp homes and poorer health.

In 1999 research findings found that between 25 and 28 per cent of the population of North East Lincolnshire were suffering from fuel poverty. These figures were higher than the national average and represented some 16,000 households in the Borough.

The research recommended that North East Lincolnshire set-up a Fuel Poverty Forum engaging organisations whose front-line staff and volunteers were in a position to advise their clients on energy efficient measures, grants and behaviour changes.

The research also suggested that North East Lincolnshire should draw up an 'Affordable Warmth Policy'. The Policy should consider how resources could be best utilised to ensure households suffering from fuel poverty are more able to afford to heat their homes adequately in order to benefit from improved comfort levels, health and well being.

Affordable Warmth Policy

The Fuel Poverty Forum was launched in May 2000 and the first task of the group was to develop an 'Affordable Warmth Policy'. The Policy was launched in January 2001.  To view the Affordable Warmth Policy, please click on the link below:

Affordable Warmth Policy (pdf file, 212Kb)

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The Guiding Principle upon which the 'Affordable Warmth Policy' was developed stated:

"Every resident in North East Lincolnshire should have access to Affordable Warmth"

The policy outlines the fundamental principles of Fuel Poverty and Affordable Warmth and identifies the four main aims that will needed to be tackled in order to achieve the Guiding Principle.

Aim 1 - Promote energy efficiency throughout North East Lincolnshire, providing community access to impartial energy advice.

Aim 2 - Develop effective partnerships with public, private and voluntary organisations.

Aim 3 - Ensure continued improvement in the energy efficiency of Housing Association and Local Authority Housing Stock.

Aim 4 - Encourage and enable owner-occupiers, private rented tenants and landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

For further information please contact Home Energy on telephone number  01472 324782 or by email on mailto:customerrequests@nelincs.gov.uk