Prime Minister Can Learn From Council's Energy Efficiency Strategy (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Prime Minister Can Learn From Council's Energy Efficiency Strategy

August 7, 2006 10:11 PM

Leader of the Council Mark Harris (Lib Dem, Moortown) notes comments by Tony Blair over the weekend saying that the government is "looking at" the idea of household 'carbon audits' to reduce the amount of energy people use in their own homes. While the Prime Minister is thinking about the idea however, Leeds City Council is getting on and doing it. It may be the height of summer, but Cllr Harris has already started work to help some of Leeds' most vulnerable citizens beat the freeze this winter.

Cllr Harris (Liberal Democrat, Moortown) said "While the Prime Minister is pondering over what can be done to help individuals do their bit for the environment, Leeds City Council has already put a strategy in place that will allow thousands of households to help tackle climate change at the same time as saving money by cutting their fuel bills. Anyone who wants to have an audit of the kind that Tony Blair is mulling over can get one right now, by phoning the Council 'Fuelsavers' Freephone number 0800 512 012, or by logging onto the Council website."

"In the coming weeks the Council will be contacting thousands of households across Leeds to offer advice on how to cut their fuel bills and save a lot of money. With gas and electricity prices rising all the time, it is more important than ever that we help people to keep the costs of heating their homes as low as possible. It might seem strange to some people that we are talking about keeping warm during one of the hottest summers on record, put it is vital that we start work now."

"We are experiencing high temperatures right now - probably as a result of global warming - so of course it's important that we look at what we can do to reduce the amount of energy we need to heat and power our homes. I urge people to look ahead to the coming winter and do what you can now, and you may well up saving a lot of money on your gas and electricity bills as well as helping the environment. "

Note:

1. Prime Minister Tony Blair has been quoted over the weekend saying that individuals have to do their bit for the environment:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5251312.stm

2. Leeds City Council's Fuelsavers Team offers:

 Home energy checks to help you identify improvements that can be made to heating, domestic hot water systems, controls and insulation in your home.

 Energy grant advice.

 Heating and insulation up-grade to those with a medical need.

 Renewables advice and grant gatewaying.

 Advice surgeries on a drop-in and appointment basis.

 Talks and training to groups.

Current offers available from the Fuelsavers Team:

Warmfront. Available to owner occupiers or private rented tenants who are in receipt of certain benefits. Up to £2700 grant towards insulation and heating measures.

Health through warmth. Available to owner occupiers or private rented tenants, living in Leeds, who are suffering from illnesses or disabilities aggravated by cold and damp conditions. Up to a 50% client contribution is sought for insulation and heating measures.

Energy efficiency commitment offers. Insulation for private sector residents available to anyone regardless of income. Benefit recipients can get the measures free of charge. Phone 0800 512 012 for latest offers.

Heatlease. A Central Heating and Insulation package for Leeds City Council tenants living in properties that have a gas supply available.