‘Fuel Poverty’ is the term used when people cannot afford to pay their heating bills. With the high cost of gas, electricity and other fuels, and with the current economic climate, the number of people experiencing fuel poverty has increased dramatically. Many people, particularly the elderly and those with long term health problems, can put their health at risk if they don’t heat their homes sufficiently.

In most parts of Cumbria, levels of fuel poverty are higher than the national average. This is why the county council has made fuel poverty a major part of its poverty strategy and is currently putting together a plan, working with other agencies, to reduce fuel poverty.

A committee of councillors - the Health and Well-being Scrutiny Committee - problems faced by people on low incomes. The councillors have talked to organisations such as Age Concern who help people on low income, and have invited individuals to contribute their experience.

Comments to the committee illustrate the real hardship experienced by many:

“I am a person with chronic sick problems and live in social housing…if I don’t keep my central heating on 24 hours daily then I am freezing cold to the bone.”

“I can’t afford a full tank of gas so there is an extra charge of £30 to deliver, so we are penalised for not having enough cash.”

“My daughter, a single mother, moved to a flat…   She topped up her pre-payment stick on Friday with £20, then she needed another £10 on Saturday morning and another £6 in the evening. She only used heating in the evening and to heat water in the morning.”

And yet the committee was struck by the range of grants, allowances, advice and other support that is currently available, much of which is not being taken up by people who could benefit from it. In some cases, people may not be aware of the support they can get. The committee has recommended that social workers, health visitors, fire prevention officers, and others who routinely visit people in their homes, should have training to allow them to give advice in dealing with fuel poverty.

The committee is also keen to see an area-based approach being taken. 

This means an approach of offering help to anyone, whatever their circumstances, living in areas where fuel poverty is high. If you want to read the committee’s report you can find it on the council’s website. 

Unfortunately, there’s no escaping it – the credit crunch is affecting everyone. But did you know that your council can help you beat the credit crunch? To help explain what services are around to help, Meet the Grahams. Some of you may remember them as last year the Grahams helped us look at what services a typical family get for their council tax. Today the Grahams are looking at services which will help them beat the credit crunch.

Visit the local library

Down at the local Library - Mr Graham couldn’t believe his eyes – free membership, free books and really cheap Internet access. While he was there, there was a drop-in session from the fire service and Mr Graham arranged to have a free home safety check which also comes with a free smoke alarm. He even took time out to read the local paper – which was also free! For more information call 01228 606060 to find information about your nearest Library.

Use the bus

The Graham’s Aunty Marj had recently paid good money for a toaster which doesn’t work! The company wouldn’t give Marj her money back. Marj needed advice and fast. As she rang Consumer Direct who told her what her rights were and how to deal with the company – 10 days later Aunty Marj got a refund. For more information call Consumer direct on 

0845 404 0506.

School means and school clothing grants

The Graham kids are taking advantage of free school meals today. At lunch they get to eat a tasty fresh meal with their classmates and they’re both really proud of their brand new school clothes – paid for by the county council which has just reintroduced school clothing grants. For more information call The Children’s Information Service on 08457 125 737.

Avoid getting into debt wherever possible, however if you find you do need credit follow these easy steps to getting it right:

Can you afford it?
Make sure you really can afford the repayments.

Shop around!
There are many types of credit so make sure you choose carefully and that it’s right for you. Credit Unions are likely to offer better deals than doorstop lenders.

Read the forms before you sign.
If you want help and advice before you sign contact Trading Standards or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Watch out for other charges.
Look at the length of the loan. Don’t just look at the monthly payment, be aware of the total amount payable.

Using your home as security?
Remember if you don’t keep up your repayments you could lose your home!