Chris Conroy in the Little Van of Warm
Published Monday 11 August 2025 at 15:49
Cosy Homes in Lancashire is offering free, friendly, mobile support designed to make improvements to cold homes.
Cosy Homes is a council-run scheme helping families keep their homes warm in Lancashire. Their Little Van of Warm is available for visits to support residents aged 70+ years, any low income households and those in receipt of a means tested benefit. Applications for a visit are open now.
Cosy Homes and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council are urging households to take advantage of this service which provides face-to-face energy advice, practical help, and the installation of simple energy-saving measures, right at people’s doorsteps and in their homes. Fuel poverty continues to be a concern for residents across Lancashire with a recent report estimating 14.6% of Blackburn with Darwen households affected.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth and Development said:
“We’re really looking forward to hosting the Little Van of Warm throughout the borough.
“It’s a way for residents to find out more about the help and support available to them and to make changes that can make a positive impact to their pockets, in their homes and on their lives.
“We know that we have residents who are sadly struggling with the impacts of cold homes and high bills and we want to do all we can to ensure they can access the support available.
“Cosy Homes, delivered by Blackburn with Darwen Council and other Councils in Lancashire, is one of the best consortiums of its type in the whole country – helping people to make their homes warmer and greener too.”
102 properties without Gas Central Heating received assistance in Blackburn with Darwen last year under HUG2 which includes the installation of various measures such as air source heat pumps, high heat retention heaters, solar panels, wall and loft insulation, doors, and windows.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is also inviting local community partners to get in touch if they would like to request the Little Van of Warm at their premises for community engagement with their visitors. Please call 03306061488 or fill in an application form to arrange a visit.
Read more about the help and support on offer.
