Rising fuel bills
The Department of Energy & Climate Change in a recent report state that between 2008 and 2009 households using a prepayment meter saw their average electric bill increase by £41 to £465 and average gas bill increase by £126 to £744. They also estimate that in 2007 16% of UK homes were living in fuel poverty (paying more than 10% of their income on energy bills) and they recognise that this figure will have risen.
Better homes
Now more than ever it is really important that your home is energy efficient and you know how to get the best out of your heating system and don't waste energy in the home. To help you get the best energy advice and make sure you are getting the best deal from your energy company we have written two useful energy information sheets, the 'DCH energy advice leaflet' and 'DCH shared owners energy advice leaflet' these can be downloaded by clicking on the links below. For more detailed advice on energy saving including information on changing your energy supplier and dealing with cold calling from energy companies and making a complaint please visit the consumer direct website. www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Health and heating
Each year the NHS provide a selection of very informative booklets named 'keep warm, keep well' these provide advice on benefit entitlements and tips on dealing with cold weather. See the links section below.
Saving water in your home
Water prices in the South West are the most expensive in the country due to the high costs of maintaining our coastlines and modernising our sewage treatment. This makes it very hard for residents living on a low income. We are working closely with South West Water to ensure residents' are aware of the help they can offer households to reduce their water bills and what you can do to save water in your own home. To find out more please download the 'DCH water advice leaflet' by clicking on the link below.
For more information on saving energy and water in the home contact:
Rose Hunter Involvement and Green Living Manager Tel: 01392 814471 Email: rose.hunter@dcha.co.uk
