Householders will be able to get advice on how to effectively manage energy and water use in their homes, installing low cost measures such as draught proofing and radiator reflector panels, and helping those who are eligible to apply for grants.
The service will be managed by Swale charity Children and Families who provide support services to families around the borough.
Residents can refer themselves to the service, and housing officers, health workers, family finance workers, housing associations, food banks and other charities are able to refer people on their behalf.
Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for the environment, said:
“We are committed to helping the most vulnerable in our community and made it a priority in our climate and ecological emergency declaration last year.
We hope this new support service will reach those most in need and help them to achieve a better standard of living.
“Helping people with their energy consumption will also help us reach our net zero carbon targets for the borough.”
Cllr Hannah Perkin, deputy cabinet member for health and wellbeing at the council, said:
“Many of our residents are struggling to pay water and energy bills.
This service will help people get onto the best tariff and will also show people simple ways of saving both water and energy in their homes.
The link between cold homes and poor health is well known and we hope helping people to have a warmer home will also improve their health.”
Ian Townsend-Blazier, Business Development Manager at Children and Families Ltd, said:
“We are really pleased and excited to be delivering the Fuel and Water Home Adviser project in partnership with Swale Council.
We are a local charity with a keen interest in the environment and it’s great to see the council leading this initiative.
Our project is designed to partner with local organisations, energy providers and water companies to support these households in understanding and accessing green initiatives, switching energy providers to get access to the best available tariffs, supporting households to become water efficient and helping residents implement cost saving measures which can reduce CO2 emissions across the borough.”
To make an appointment with Fuel and Water Home Adviser Service, contact Steve Pettit on spettitt@children-families.org or 01795 889233.
Swale Borough Council
