To help tackle fuel poverty in the region, Dumfries and Galloway Council has allocated Tackling Poverty funding for a free home visit service. The Home Energy Assistance Scheme aims to help fuel poor households by identifying possible energy improvements and carrying out small measures to people’s homes that make properties more efficient and help to reduce fuel bills.
Our Council work in partnership with the Energy Agency, a registered charity who provide advice on energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transport. They arrange for eligible households who spend more than 10% of their income on fuel bills to receive a home visit. The property will be assessed and recommendations made to help lower the cost of heating your house. Where needed, referrals can be made other advice and assistance agencies. These include the Lemon Aid Fuel Poverty project for help with tariff switching and the Financial Inclusion and Advice Team who will carry out income maximisation checks.
If you would like more information or wish to apply please contact Colin Holden based at The Hub, Dumfries on 07816 503447 / 01387 269161 or email [email protected]’
Chair of the Communities Committee, Councillor Andy Ferguson, said: “We are determined to tackle fuel poverty in all its forms, particularly at a time when energy bills continue to be a concern for those facing poverty in our region. Hopefully the measures will reduce householder bills, reducing the impact of energy price rises. I am confident that this approach will help to target households in those areas that are most in need across our region.”
Vice Chair of the committee, Councillor John Martin, echoed the comments “Our council will continue to work in partnership with the Energy Agency to ensure the successful delivery of this nationally recognised and award winning project. This Administration committed to tackle poverty in all its forms, including fuel poverty. In a rural area like Dumfries and Galloway, this project is essential to addressing some of the causes of poverty in our region.”
