Affordable warmth tips

HALTON Council has teamed up with Cheshire fire service to offer ‘affordable warmth’ advice to residents.

Firefighters already provide a wealth of information to over-65s on issues from slips, trips and falls to bowel cancer screening, stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake. Tips on affordable heating will now be included.

A council spokesman said the local authority and the fire brigade have created a set of screening questions to work out who needs help with insulation, fuel bills and keeping their home warm.

If needed, residents can be referred to the Energy Projects Plus charity that helps with advice, finding a good deal, switching supplier and financial support.

Cllr Marie Wright (health and wellbeing) said: “A cold home can lead to and aggravate many health conditions, so keeping your home warm in winter is important if you are an older person, have young children or a serious health condition.

“We’re delighted that Cheshire fire service has added affordable warmth screening to its Safe And Well scheme, which has already helped many of our older and vulnerable residents by referring to local health services. This latest addition will help many more who are at risk of falling into fuel poverty, which can in turn have a terrible effect on a person’s health and wellbeing.”

Peter Owen, Energy Projects Plus chief executive, said: “Keeping warm in your home is extremely important to your health, but not something enjoyed by everyone. The inclusion of affordable warmth screening in the fantastic Safe And Well programme means we can provide practical help to people in need and reduce the level of fuel poverty across Cheshire.”