Help available for those in fuel poverty (From Stroud News and Journal)

Help available for those in fuel poverty

6:00pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Chris Warne, SNJ reporter for Stonehouse and Chalford. Twitter @ChrisWarneSNJ

EXTRA funding to help people suffering ill health as a result of being unable to heat their homes has been secured by a partnership of county organisations.

Gloucestershire residents are set to benefit from £182,000 of government funding to help keep their properties warm, thanks to a successful bid by the county's Affordable Warmth Partnership.

The money comes from a Government pot of funding set aside to to support local authorities and their partners in reducing health issues related to cold housing.
 

It will be used to increase uptake of the Affordable Warmth Partnership's existing free fuel poverty advice line, specifically among those deemed most at risk from cold housing, such as the over 60s and low income households.

The partnership, which obtained the funding, includes representatives from the county and district councils, NHS Gloucestershire, and a number of other organisations.

Jon Beckett, of Stroud District Council and chairman of the partnership said: "We're absolutely delighted that our bid has been successful."

For free information about help heating your home, contact the Gloucestershire fuel poverty advice line on 0800 500 3076, or visit www.warmandwell.co.uk