Council backing for Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

Blackburn with Darwen Council is joining forces with local and national organisations to support Fuel Poverty Awareness Day taking place today, Friday November 29.

The national day of recognition is designed to highlight the problems faced by those struggling to keep warm in their homes and all the work being undertaken to tackle the issue.

In Blackburn and Darwen 16.5% of households are in fuel poverty and the Council is working with charity Care Network whose Healthy Homes project offers expert knowledge, advice and support to achieve warm, safe, hazard free and energy efficient homes.

Home visits are available to any resident in Blackburn with Darwen who is over 65, lives with long-term health conditions or has a child under the age of five.

To make a referral call: 01254 507255 (option 1) or go online. Go here for  more information.

Care Network has also put together an info booklet to highlight the risks and what we can all do to keep ourselves and others safe, healthy and well over the winter months.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is also working with CHiL (Cosy Homes in Lancashire) – a partnership of the 15 Local Authorities in Lancashire, offering residents in the region access to energy efficiency grants, affordable heating solutions, energy advice and support on a range of money saving energy measures.

CHiL can offer grants for first time central heating systems, boiler replacements, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, subject to qualifying criteria.

For more information visit: the CHiL website, call 03306 061488 or email: enquiries@rheaprojects.co.uk

The Council also has its own dedicated home energy officer who can discuss all the help available locally and provide advice on any energy matters.

Contact Muzaffer Dayaji at: muzaffer.dayaji@blackburn.gov.uk, 01254 588876 or visit the Council’s website.

Dominic Harrison, Director of Public Health, said:

Winter can be a difficult time for everyone. As the temperature drops and conditions worsen the risks of winter become more significant, especially for people aged 65 and over and young children under 5. We are delighted to support this activity around Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and invite as many people as possible to get involved. Keeping people warm and healthy is vitally important and a key priority for us. This national day of recognition raises much needed awareness of just how difficult it is for families and individuals who struggle with fuel poverty and gives practical advice and guidance on what we can do to tackle it.