Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Carmarthenshire’s Housing Services has joined forces with the national Warm Homes Campaign to tackle fuel poverty in the county. Two awareness events will be held later this month and in February. The campaign is run by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), which aims to raise awareness of the problem and some of the solutions available for those struggling to heat their homes affordably. People will be able to get advice on energy efficiency at the event, with practical hints and tips on insulating their homes. The events will take place on Thursday January 26 in Pencader Pavilion from 3-6pm and on Wednesday February 8 in the Aberduar chapel vestry, Llanybydder, from 3-6pm. NEA Cymru Director Carole Morgan-Jones said: “Sadly, we know that many already vulnerable people will be struggling to afford to keep themselves warm in their homes this winter. “Wales had the highest winter excess mortality rate at 17 per cent last year and one of the prime causes of excess w...

A unique initiative is being introduced in Carmarthenshire to help people save money on their fuel bills. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Housing Services division is working with Menter Cwm Gwendraeth to develop a series of fuel clubs. They are encouraging communities to create a syndicate which will be used to bulk buy oil – therefore enabling residents to negotiate a better deal from their supplier. They are now looking for ‘fuel champions’ who will help run syndicates and co-ordinate deliveries in their area. In return for helping their communities to secure discounted oil rates, the champions will be offered a financial incentive. Robin Staines, the council’s Head of Housing, said: “Fuel clubs are essentially a syndicate of people who live in the same area who come together to co-ordinate the ordering of fuel with a supplier – the larger the syndicate, the better the reduction will be. “In order to co-ordinate the syndicates we are looking for fuel champions whose role will be...

Carmarthenshire's Anti Poverty Champion has welcomed Government plans to knock up to £20 million off fuel bills for poor pensioners. Around 250,000 pensioners across the UK are receiving a one-off £80 rebate, thanks to a deal by the Government and the leading energy suppliers announced earlier this year. Up to £20 million is being paid out by the largest energy companies in a one-off rebate to some of the pensioners who need the most help with their fuel costs. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to all those who are eligible to let them know either that their rebate will be paid automatically, or asking people to call the DWP Helpline and confirm their entitlement. The DWP shared some of its customer data securely with the energy companies so they could identify the poorest pensioners. Carmarthenshire’s executive board member for wellbeing and Anti Poverty Champion Cllr Kevin Madge said: “I welcome this help for the poorest pensioners. It will be of real help to ...

A major drive is underway to stamp out fuel poverty in Carmarthenshire. Housing chiefs want to tackle the problem and help residents who are hardest hit by rising energy prices. Thousands of people in the county are suffering health and financial difficulties because of high heating costs. Officers at Carmarthenshire County Council are working to improve the situation and have made significant progress in recent years. A huge £3 million has been has been saved in fuel bills since the authority’s Affordable Warmth Strategy was first launched in 2005. Energy efficiency measures have been introduced in council homes as part of the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard. A Carmarthenshire Home Energy Service has been launched and a dedicated energy efficiency advisor has been appointed to help residents. Advice is also given on efficient heating systems, home insulation and maximising benefit uptake. Now the council wants to build on those successes and reduce fuel poverty even further. Awareness ...