[UK] Welsh county in 'fuel poverty' shock

from 24 Dash online

Almost 23,000 households in a Welsh county are at risk of fuel poverty, according to a new report.

The percentage of households in the county affected is almost double the average across English Local Authorities.

There were an estimated 1,500 excess winter deaths in Wales attributable to fuel poverty in 2004/05, says the Welsh Assembly Government.

And, according to the experts, "for every degree that the temperature falls below the winter average, as many as 8,000 people could die in the UK".

The new report on House Conditions has been commissioned by Gwynedd Council Estimates.

Many Gwynedd residents could be at greater risk this winter, especially if they are elderly, young or disabled.

Gwynedd Council has now announced its "Here to Help" Scheme in partnership with British Gas.

It is now being offered to a further 5000 private homes in the most deprived wards in Bangor, Bethesda, Deiniolen, Caernarfon, Clynnog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The scheme is jointly funded by Gwynedd Council and British Gas and costs nothing for participating households.

Adrian Roberts, Gwynedd Council's Home Energy Officer, said: "First of all every household being targeted will receive a letter with our Gwynedd Energy Efficiency mascot logo on the cover, explaining more about the scheme. The surveyors will ask to carry out a quick and simple survey to check the energy efficiency of the house".

"The Surveyors will advise if the householder qualifies for free insulation or other work. The householder will also be offered a "Quality of Life Check" – and a confidential referral to any of a range of partner charities for other free advice or measures. The offer goes even further - a "Benefits Health Check" - to see if the household qualify for benefits."

The scheme is available, free of charge to all private sector households in the designated wards.