Tag Archives: Citizens Advice

Local partnership awarded £395,158 to tackle Fuel Poverty in Brighton and Hove

British Gas Energy Trust awarded a local partnership, led by Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove, £395,158 to tackle fuel poverty and cold homes in the city.

The award was made following a bid to the Trust’s ‘Healthy Homes’ programme earlier this year with support from Brighton and Hove City Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group.

The grant will fund a package of holistic support to those most at risk from cold homes throughout 2016, including money and housing advice and energy efficiency measures.

Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove chair, Jo Newell said “Fuel Poverty is a significant issue in the city and this is a fantastic example of local agencies working collaboratively to support the most vulnerable”

Tracey Hill, lead Councillor for Private Rented Housing at Brighton and Hove City Council, said “I’m delighted that the Council is involved in this partnership which tackles such an important problem. No-one in this city should have to choose between feeding themselves or heating their home.”

Dr Rachel Cottam from the Clinical Commissioning Group said “All too often we see people in our surgeries that are experiencing both physical and mental health problems because of cold homes. We all need to work together to come up with solutions and this is a significant step in the right direction.”

The work is expected to begin in December 2015 and will target those considered most at risk of cold homes by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (‘NICE’). Priority groups include: over 65’s, people with respiratory and heart conditions, people with severe mental illness and families with children under 5.

Any resident that would like advice on money issues can call the local Moneyworks helpline on 0800 988 7037 or search for a local advice agency at www.advicebrighton-hove.org.uk.

Organisations expected to take part in delivery of the Brighton and Hove programme are as follows:

The Moneyworks helpline is funded by Brighton and Hove City Council and staffed by Money Advice Plus. It is open:

  • 10am – 3pm, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
  • Wednesday 5pm – 8pm
  • Friday 10am – 1pm

Additional opening hours will be provided as a result of this funding from British Gas Energy Trust.

For further information please contact:
Paul Sweeting, paul@advicebrighton-hove.org.uk 01273 733390 ext 501