Households are considered by the Government to be in 'fuel poverty' if they would have to spend more than 10% of their household income on fuel to keep their home in a 'satisfactory' condition. It is thus a measure which compares income with what the fuel costs 'should be' rather than what they actually are. Whether a household is in fuel poverty or not is determined by the interaction of a number of factors, but the three obvious ones are:
- The cost of energy.
- The energy efficiency of the property (and therefore, the energy required to heat and power the home)
- Household income.
Leeds City Council executive member for environmental services Councillor Mark Dobson said:
“As a council we understand the financial pressures which rising fuel bills are causing across Leeds, and we are doing everything we can to help with offers such as our new free home insulation scheme ‘Wrap Up Leeds’ which could save homeowners and private renters up to £300 a year, and over £1.6m across the city. For more information call 0800 052 0071.
“One of the most effective ways is to make sure residents are on the cheapest tariff, which can change every year. Price comparison websites offer an excellent way to check the best deals available. Anybody who is worried about their bills or wants advice on how to save money on their fuel bills should contact the Energy Saving Trust, either on their website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or on 0800 512 012.”
The following services are all available to help people make their homes more energy-efficient and to reduce fuel bills through Leeds City Council or partner agencies:
Wrap up Leeds: 0800 0520071 – Free Cavity wall and Loft Insulation to owner occupiers and private tenants (subject to a technical survey).
Warm Homes Service: 0113 3918336 – Financial help towards improved heating where there is a medical need through cold related illness.
The Green doctor: 0113 2380316 – Provides face to face advice and support to vulnerable households on reducing their energy bills.
Warm Front: 0800 3162805 – A grant of up to £3,500 towards heating and insulation for households in receipt of certain income related benefits.
Energy saving Trust: 0800 512012 – Free and impartial advice on home energy efficiency.
Home Heat Helpline: 0800 336699 – Free and impartial advice on fuel bills.
Welfare Rights Team: 0113 3760452 – Information and advice on how to claim welfare benefits.
Between April 2012 and March 2013 West North West homes Leeds will be spending almost £4M on works to homes which will improve energy efficiency.
This money will be spent on things like:
- Replacing roofs,
- Installing new windows and doors,
- Improvements to non-traditional housing which may include insulation and external cladding,
- Gas boiler upgrades and repairs,
- Heat Lease,
- Air Source Heat Pumps.
This money will not only improve our homes, but help our customers by reducing their fuel costs.