Local support is available for the cost of living crisis

The rising cost of living continues to affect everybody in different ways. In the past fuel poverty — when a household is living on a lower income in a home which cannot be kept warm at reasonable cost — was something that usually affected around 10 per cent of the population, but this figure is changing dramatically. In Cheltenham, it is estimated that 10,909 households are experiencing fuel poverty, which amounts to a huge 19.2 per cent of all households in the borough.

On this Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, we want our residents to know that there is support available, and that they don’t have to struggle with their energy alone.

Warm and Well is a fuel poverty and energy efficiency advice service funded by the seven local authorities in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. The service provides a freephone adviceline, tailored one-to-one energy support, and offers grant funding for home energy improvements. They also provide emergency funding for residents who find themselves in a no heat situation.

Cllr Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for climate emergency, said: “Warm and Well provides an essential service to our residents, giving them advice and support when they need it most. They’re experts at what they do, and home energy support has never been as important as it is now. Since the pandemic, the service has supported over 10,000 households and as a Council we’re proud to be offering support like this during the energy crisis.”

If you’re struggling to keep on top of your energy bills or are wondering if you might be eligible for grant funding to make your home more energy efficient, you can call Warm and Well for free on 0800 500 3076. There is funding available for insulation, high heat retention storage heaters and renewable technologies such as solar and air source heat pumps. If your household income is under £30,000 a year, you might be eligible so it’s worth getting in touch with the friendly advice line team. Energy 101 tips for an energy efficient lifestyle are also available on the Warm and Well website.

Even if you don’t qualify for grant funding, Warm and Well have a wealth of expert advice and support on offer, all for free. Their energy advisers can provide detailed advice on your energy issues, and their team of Energy Advocates offer one-to-one tailored support for people who are really struggling. If your relationship with your supplier has broken down, you’re in substantial debt or are facing disconnection, the Advocacy team can help.

Find more information on our energy bills support page.

For further cost of living support, we're working with community partners and we've produced a leaflet which is available now from community centres, libraries, schools and GP practices. This sets out where people can get advice and support and how to donate support.

The information in the leaflet is available on the council’s dedicated cost of living support pages, along with energy saving tips and financial support.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected].

Notes:

Severn Wye Energy Agency is a non-profit company and registered charity primarily operating throughout Wales and its English border counties, supporting communities, residents and businesses to create a sustainable, affordable, low carbon future. They run the Warm and Well scheme, offering energy efficiency advice and fuel poverty support throughout Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire.

Web: warmandwell.co.uk  
Twitter: @WarmAndWell