Customers in Vulnerable Situations Workshop - Energy affordability (Staying warm and healthy at home)

Date

21/11/2023

Audience

charity, 3rd sector agencies, community, faith and local interest groups, consumer groups health and service providers local government

Engagement

19 delegates

Objectives

The key objective from this session, was to understand what challenges our customers and stakeholders are facing this winter and beyond, and looking at what we already know, what we are currently doing, and finally how we can do more to support those that need it.

We also wanted to use the opportunity to give our stakeholders an update on the changes within the Vulnerability Team, and the wider business, and to host our guest presenters Andrew Sykes from Noah’s Ark, and Karleen Dowden from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).

Andrew provided an insight into the 2 Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) funded projects to help customers in the Huddersfield area with debt advice and mental health issues, whilst Karleen gave an overview of the Money and Pensions Service and how this helps customers who are in debt.

Our questions & your responses

Addressing Challenges

We asked you, what are you doing in your area to address challenges identified this winter.

You told us that you are:

Distributing 1,000 winter warmer packs via local Citizens Advice hubs.
Running daily ‘pop-up fuel poverty awareness sessions’ in local community centres.
Partnering with local food charities to raise awareness of the support offered.
Providing support to properties that are at risk of fuel poverty and are at risk of damp.
Distributing co alarms to all warm space attendees and young people.

and so much more.

What is missing?

We asked you where there are funding gaps or challenges.

You said:

Lack of Support from government for non benefit low income families and single people.
Energy efficiency and financial education in schools.
Overstretched front line services.
More demand , communities needing support around food poverty.

and lots more.

Additional Resources

We asked you if there any additional data sets/reports that we should consider?

You suggested:

Bradford observatory website.
Citizens Advice run a monthly cost of living briefing.
Health Foundation looking at health equity in the UK.

and more.