Half a million to help beat cold
LANCASHIRE County Council is providing £500,000 to help people who struggle to afford to heat their homes this winter.
The money, which is part of the Green Energy Fund, will be used to reduce excess winter deaths and cut carbon emissions.
Funding is being provided to district councils who will use it to target those at greatest risk of their health being affected by having a cold home.
These include people living with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, mental health conditions, older people, people with disabilities, pregnant women and parents with young children.
This is the second winter the Green Energy Fund has been running in Lancashire.
Last year, the scheme supported 740 people to help keep their home warm with measures such as heating repairs, replacement boilers and heating systems, first-time central heating installation and draught proofing and insulation.
County Councillor Shaun Turner, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This funding is designed to help those who are more likely to have their health put at risk because they live in a cold home.
“Figures from 2014/15 show there were 992 excess winter deaths in Lancashire, with conditions affected by the cold generally accounting for almost three quarters of these.
“Also, unplanned hospital admissions linked to respiratory conditions are typically between 20 and 50% higher in the winter months.
“Making sure people have warm homes is crucial. We have provided the funding to district councils, who will manage the scheme in each area and ensure help is given to those who need it most.”
The amount available to each district varies depending on the percentage of homes classed as being in ‘fuel poverty’ in each area.
The Green Energy Fund has also helped secure an additional £211,000 funding, made up of Government grants and other contributions, for winter warmth measures in Lancashire.