Fuel Poverty is a real issue for residents across Tynedale. Increasing fuel prices are leaving homeowners feeling the pinch and residents are faced with a difficult choices.
I have long been campaigning against fuel poverty. It was back in January 2011 that I first said families face the choice between ‘heating or eating’. For some time I have thought we should try and bring together all the key info, and the key local suppliers, in one available online and physical booklet.
Following on from the success of the Energy Booklet in the past four years, I am pleased to announce that a new and improved booklet is now out and online. I have organised for its delivery, at no cost to the taxpayer, to thousands of homes in the area, but I also wanted to provide details of it online.
I know many residents are concerned about energy costs and fuel, and hopefully this booklet will go some way to cut through the complexity, and provide some much needed simple answers.
The main purpose of the guide is to help you make your home more energy efficient, and make you aware of what support is available. There is advice on how to get the best deal from your energy supplier and details about a range of schemes. Included is also information on financial assistance to which you may be entitled, as well as details of various organisations from the Citizens Advice Bureau to local Oil Buying Clubs whom you can contact.
Finally, I have also provided information on the Tynedale Community Bank: a real alternative to the major multinationals. The TCB is a local bank, providing savings and loans for local people.
I stress this booklet does not have all the answers, but I know it can help. Now is the time to start thinking about how you can stay warm and save money, this winter. You can download it here: https://view.publitas.com/p222-11112/energybooklet2016-17