The sub regional Warm & Healthy Homes Partnership, which is led by Thurrock Council, has received a cash award (£2000).
The Partnership has won the regional NEA (National Energy Action) Footprint Award for its work in promoting and supporting warm and energy efficient homes across the Thames Gateway South Essex.
The Warm & Healthy Homes Partnership was officially launched in October 2009. Over the next two years, the scheme will offer a range of measures to residents to help improve their homes, including healthy home loans, energy grants, and other discounted offers.
Cllr Tunde Ojetola, Thurrock Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Congratulations to the Warm & Healthy Homes Partnership for winning this award. It is a very positive start to the project, which is about reducing the number of homes that are in disrepair, and making them warmer – therefore contributing to improved health and well-being for all residents.”
Leaflets about the help on offer are available. Residents can have an assessment carried out at their home, to find out how the partnership can help, and many will then receive a ‘Healthy Home Prescription’, setting out what improvements can be made.
Some residents will be entitled to free assistance and help, and where people can afford to pay for the work required, discounted rates have been agreed with the project’s approved contractors.
Cllr Ojetola added: “It is estimated that the Warm & Healthy Homes Partnership could help take 900 households out of fuel poverty. Although this figure is dependent on other factors, such as fuel prices and the property market, it is clear that the Partnership will provide an invaluable service to many, many people.”
The Warm & Healthy Homes team has decided to use the £2000 awarded by the NEA to provide Energy Display Monitors, which would then be available for loan to the public, through venues such as libraries. The units allow a homeowner to measure the electricity consumption in their home.
To find out more about the Warm & Healthy Homes Partnership, ring freephone 0800 980 6022, or logon to www.healthywarmhome.org.uk
