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5 Steps to... tackling fuel poverty

Alexandra Coxon, Regeneration & Renewal, 18 May 2007

1. Secure funding. The Government is a first port of call. It funds various schemes across the UK - including Warm Front in England - that provide money to households receiving certain types of benefits in order to improve their heating and energy efficiency. The Energy Efficiency Commitment fund, financed by the UK's fuel utility firms, also supports local and nationwide energy efficiency schemes.

2. Take a partnership approach. This is a cross-sector issue, so don't work in isolation, warns Peter Sumby, director of operations at fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA). "Local authorities are in a perfect position to bring partners together who can make a difference. These typically include housing associations, the health sector, the energy industry and energy efficiency installers."

3. Raise awareness. Some people won't fill out their council tax benefit form because they think it'll only give them a few pounds off their bill, says Mitesh Dhanak, associate director, group strategic development, at energy efficiency firm Eaga Partnership. "Make them aware that applying for that benefit could passport them into schemes like Warm Front. And liaise with agencies like Age Concern to ensure you're targeting the right people."

4. Learn from those with experience. Get advice from bodies such as NEA and the Energy Saving Trust, local authorities and groups that have had similar experiences. "Why reinvent the wheel when others can help you by sharing their knowledge?" asks Joy Lockhart, head of housing and technical services at Blyth Valley Council.

5. Consider a range of interventions. When it comes to taking practical steps, the key is to be flexible, says Lockhart. "If you only offer cavity wall insulation and some of the properties you're dealing with don't have cavities, you're not going to be able to help," she says. "Consider a range of options, including loft insulation and the installation of condensing boilers, uPVC windows and solar panels."

- More information The NEA is at www.nea.org.uk, while the Energy Saving Trust is at www.energy savingtrust.org.uk, or (tel) 0800 512012.