Tackling Fuel Poverty

Beacon Council Toolkit

During 2002 Blyth Valley Council was awarded Beacon Status for its approach top tackling fuel poverty in the Borough.

The five local authorities awarded Beacon Status for their Affordable Warmth Strategies have collaborated on the production of a practical manual Tackling Fuel Poverty - A Beacon Council Toolkit for Local Authorities.

The toolkit will allow local authorities (and others) to examine the different approaches the Beacon councils have taken to tackling fuel poverty in their communities, taking account of local circumstances and priorities, demographics, social characteristics and housing conditions.

Though fuel poverty is a complex issue and there is no one set of solutions that will prove entirely replicable and effective in all settings, there is much to be learned from the different approaches adopted by the Beacon councils. Indeed, with this approach it is possible to identify certain common elements of best practice that can be adopted and modified according to local circumstances.

The toolkit is divided into sections describing core elements of best practice in tackling fuel poverty and providing affordable warmth for all.

Short case studies are used to highlight how each of the Beacon councils has responded to the challenge of finding solutions to the problems faced by their communities.

Affordable warmth strategies in general can provide a focus for local action to eradicate fuel poverty. The benefits of a well-planned, organised and implemented strategy can be far-reaching, helping local authorities to:

• Raise general awareness of fuel poverty and affordable warmth issues.
• Encourage cross-departmental and inter-agency partnership working to maximise resources.
• Promote cross-community participation, co-operation and wider ownership of the strategy.
• Maximise and target resources and initiatives where they are most needed.
• Facilitate policy and service integration.
• Set out measurable targets and timescales for action.
• Develop training and employment opportunities.
• Provide feedback for target monitoring and reporting purposes.

You can view the Beacon Council Toolkit here.