THE WEST Midlands has been awarded more than £1million of funding to help people right across the region keep warm and well this winter as energy bills continue to rise.
The grant has been awarded to Act on Energy who are working with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to provide expert advice to people struggling to heat their homes.
Funds will be used to offer free, energy advice over the phone, as well as face to face support at events, drop-in clinics, and house visits for the most vulnerable.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “The additional £1m in funding secured for the Warmer Homes West Midlands programme will mainly be put towards training frontline staff and expanding how many calls they can take.
“It’s also encouraging to hear home visits and direct community outreach are also being considered.”
Community outreach staff can also offer help with budgeting, access to grant funding and fuel supply and the installation of free energy saving measures.
Rachel Jones, Act on Energy’s CEO, said: “This programme will enable vulnerable households to live in warmer and more affordable homes.
“Our outreach workers will work directly across local communities to address the impacts of fuel poverty which can affect every aspect of people’s lives.”
The grant funding has been awarded by the Energy Savings Trust through Ofgem’s Energy Redress Scheme – a scheme paid for by energy companies which may have breached Ofgem administered rules.
Coun Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for energy and environment and leader of Solihull Council, said: “I welcome the latest funding which has been secured to continue delivering this vital programme.
“In addition to the work already being undertaken by councils in the region, the Warmer Homes programme is offering free and trusted advice to help those who may be worried about their increasing fuel bills this winter. That supports much needed at this difficult time.
Visit warmerhomeswm.org.uk for more information.
