Today is National Energy Action’s Fuel Poverty Awareness Day. Energy prices are still 50% higher than pre-crisis levels, over 6 million UK households cannot afford to keep warm, safe, and healthy.
Colchester City Council’s Financial Equality and Wellbeing team is dedicated to supporting residents, offering practical assistance and guidance to help residents navigate financial challenges.
Colchester City Council’s Financial Equality and Wellbeing team is dedicated to supporting residents, offering practical assistance and guidance to help residents navigate financial challenges.
As a referral partner of the Fuel Bank, which serves as a vital lifeline for residents with prepayment meters who are facing a fuel crisis, the team can submit referrals to provide emergency vouchers worth £49. These vouchers typically cover around 8–9 days of energy, helping to keep households running during difficult times. Whilst the Fuel Bank reserves the right to decline requests, particularly in cases of repeated applications or misuse, the team is available to support residents in exploring alternative and sustainable solutions where needed.
Cllr Mark Cory, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Resources said: “Cold homes can affect an individual’s life chances. Everybody deserves to live in a warm, safe and healthy home. As a local council, we are deeply committed to ensuring that no resident faces financial hardship alone. The support provided by our team is a lifeline for many in our community. We will continue working tirelessly to provide practical assistance and sustainable solutions for those in need.”
Cllr Paul Smith, Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Since January, the team has supported 184 residents facing fuel crises, providing emergency fuel top-ups through the Fuel Bank. Local councils play a vital role in ensuring residents in need receive the necessary support. This team works tirelessly to assist with financial wellbeing, offering essential advice on energy bills, rent, and living expenses. They also provide support in accessing benefits and discretionary financial aid, ensuring help reaches those who need it most in the community.”
The Financial Equality and Wellbeing team has also been leading the Pension Credit project, proactively reaching out to over 100 residents identified as potentially eligible for Pension Credit, which may also qualify them for the Winter Fuel Payment. The initiative aims to encourage applications and provides digital assistance when required. This ongoing project continues to analyse various data sets to help as many residents as possible maximize their income. Additionally, collaborative efforts with partner organizations are underway to further promote Pension Credit uptake.
For more information or to access support, please contact the team at benefits.advice@colchester.gov.uk/ 01206 505855 or visit https://www.colchester.gov.uk/customer-support-start/
Page last reviewed: 27 November 2024