Partnership tackling fuel poverty in Gloucestershire receives funding boost (From Gazette Series)

Gloucestershire Affordable Warmth Partnership receives funding boost to tackle fuel poverty

12:20pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Daniel Chipperfield

A PARTNERSHIP formed to tackle fuel poverty and the effects cold housing has on health in Gloucestershire has secured further government funding.

The county’s most vulnerable are set to benefit from £182,000 of extra support thanks to a successful bid from the Gloucestershire Affordable Warmth Partnership.

The additional funding will be used to increase uptake of the free fuel poverty advice line as well as help increase awareness of local sources of support and available grants for energy efficiency measures, like home insulation.

Set up in 2001 the partnership includes representatives from the county and district councils, NHS Gloucestershire, Severn Wye Energy Agency, Age UK Gloucestershire, Care and Repair and the Gloucestershire Rural Communities Council. The partnership also covers South Gloucestershire.

Head of environmental health at Stroud District Council and chairman of the partnership, Jon Beckett, said he was delighted the bid was successful.

"Every year, far too many people in the county experience the negative effects of cold housing on their health and wellbeing and the funding will enable us to continue making a difference," he said.

For more information on available support call 0800 500 3076, or visit www.warmandwell.co.uk