Results of a new survey being carried out in Babergh will be used to highlight the level of fuel poverty in the district.
Babergh District Council has joined with 35 other Local Authorities in a project that will provide details showing the extent of fuel poverty across the Eastern region, as well as being used as a base to providing energy advice to householders.
As part of this project around 4,500 homes across the district will be randomly selected to receive an energy efficiency questionnaire – all completed and returned forms will automatically enter the resident into a prize draw to win £320.
Someone who is classed as in fuel poverty must be spending 10 per cent of their income or more on fuel costs.
John Kilgannon, Babergh’s Environmental Protection Manager, said: "Babergh is acutely aware that with rising fuel prices and the current economic climate more and more people are living in fuel poverty.
“This survey will help us understand the extent of the problem in Babergh so that we can target resources accordingly. It is important that residents who receive a questionnaire to complete it.
“It is especially relevant at this time of year when temperatures start to drop and there are sections of the community who may not be able to afford to install proper heating systems in their homes, let alone turn them on.
"One of the key things for people to remember is that within Babergh there are a number of projects where eligible residents are entitled to free, or subsidised, heating systems and insulation.
"If you are suffering with a cold home Babergh can usually help low income residents, so please call and we will do all we can - either directly by putting people in touch with relevant agencies to make sure Babergh residents are warm this winter."
The Government-funded Warm Front scheme can provide a new heating system and/ or insulation in the houses of private owners and tenants on eligible benefits. To find out if residents qualify, please call Warm Front on 0800 072 9006.
For further information - or to request a survey if you haven’t received one through the post - please call Babergh on (01473) 826622. ENDS
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