A CAMPAIGN to cut the cost of heating bills by a Coventry housing association has been taken to Parliament.
Orbit Housing took its fight against ‘fuel poverty’ to a key event in Westminster, with the support of Coventry North west Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson.
The campaign is raising awareness of energy efficiency of the city’s and nation’s homes.
It is estimated 2.3 million UK households live in fuel poverty – when it is claimed people in extreme circumstances are forced with the choice of heating or eating.
The campaign is calling for more investment in the housing stock to help tackle the problem.
Chair of the discussion in Westminster, Charley Gibbons, director of strategy and communication at Orbit, said: “At its core, fuel poverty is a cost of living issue, with many families having to choose between heating their home and feeding their family.
“..We are yet to see a clear vision for how we are tackling this pertinent issue.
“..We welcome the support of Geoffrey Robinson MP and other leading experts to explore how we can help make a real difference to fuel-poor households, as well as wider cost savings.”
He said Orbit was aiming to meet government targets by 2030 for improved energy efficiency in its social housing accommodation in Coventry and wider afield.
Mr Gibbons was joined by experts from across housing, energy and public policy sectors to discuss how they can work with government to make key recommendations for the future.
Guests included Dr Peter Bonfield OBE, who is leading the government’s review on energy efficiency.
The discussion follows a report published by Orbit, ‘Warm Homes, Better Lives’ and Cold Homes Week, a national awareness campaign run by Age UK.
Mr Robinson said: “I am delighted to be part of these key discussions and to have hosted this event at the House of Commons.
“A warm home is a vital part of a thriving family and community. Investing money now will help to save households hundreds of pounds in fuel bills each year.
“This will put money back into the pockets of some of the poorest families, and support key strategies around the reduction of child poverty, winter deaths and save NHS costs.”
