Ref: PR2240
Date: 10/06/2009

Wakefield Council has launched a new project in the fight against fuel poverty in Hemsworth and Wakefield East.

The Wakefield Low Carbon Communities Scheme offers all homes in these areas the chance to receive energy grants and provides energy advice, benefits checks, debt advice, fire safety visits and information on carer support.

Approximately 12,600 homes will be visited by trained assessors from the scheme in the next six months and it is hoped that every private house will be able to access free loft and cavity wall insulation.

As part of the project all homes will be offered free low energy lightbulbs and a free Showersmart – a device that ensures even flow in the shower to save water and save you money.

Cabinet Member with responsibility for regeneration Cllr Denise Jeffery said: “Cold, damp homes and fuel poverty blight the lives of too many people in our district. This project will make tremendous inroads in Hemsworth and Wakefield East towards ensuring that more homes are affordably warm and fuel efficient so we urge everyone in these areas to speak to the team and find out how they can benefit.”

The Wakefield Low Carbon Communities team will hold events in the Hemsworth and Wakefield East over the next few weeks. All team members wear distinctive logo-ed clothing and carry id badges.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Energy Services (YES). Other organisations involved in the scheme include Wakefield and District Housing (WDH), Scottish Power, EAGA, Citizens Advice Bureau, Welfare Rights, Carers Wakefield and District, West Yorkshire Police, NHS Wakefield District and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

For more information contact Yorkshire Energy Services on 0800 408 1578 or email advice@energy-help.org.uk

ENDS