Southampton City Council is working with partners across the city to support vulnerable, low income householders keep warm and well in their homes.
The council and its partner the Environment Centre (tEC), have secured £440,000 from the Warm Homes Fund, established by National Grid and administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions to extend the reach of its affordable warmth project, Southampton Healthy Homes.* This funding provides a boost to almost £800,000 already committed by the council to support the scheme.
Southampton Healthy Homes provides information, advice and guidance to the city’s residents on how they can stay warm and well at home. This includes switching tariffs, help to apply for the Warm Home Discount or deal with fuel debt, benefit checks, support to apply for insulation or heating improvements grants or free to draught proofing materials. In addition temporary heating will be available to households where their heating has failed.
Cllr Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City, Southampton City Council, said: “We welcome this new funding towards the affordable warmth project, and I’d like to encourage residents to contact Southampton Healthy Homes to learn more about how they can keep warm and keep well this winter.”
Adam Goulden, Chief Executive, The Environment Centre, commented: “Recent figures suggest that over 12,000 households in the city are unable to heat their homes to an adequate level so this funding announcement is welcome news for those vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home. We look forward to working with the council and other agencies to support local residents over the next three years.”
Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Affordable Warmth Solutions, said: “We are excited about this investment from National Grid. Solving the issues associated with fuel poverty continues to challenge many of our stakeholders and the feedback we’ve already received provides evidence of how the Warm Homes Fund will make a positive difference to thousands of homes throughout Great Britain.”
Residents can access the project via a free phone advice line, dedicated email account or at community events across the city. Those requiring more in-depth support will be able to take advantage of the home visit and appointment service.
