Over £500,000 awarded to West Sussex councils to tackle fuel poverty

More than half a million pounds has been awarded to councils across West Sussex to help them tackle fuel poverty in their regions.

Fuel poverty is the title given to those who simply cannot afford to sufficiently heat their homes and have to endure the winter cold. Chichester District Council is one of many West Sussex councils which has successfully bid for £617,800 from the Department of Health in order to help the 'Warmer West Sussex' programme.

Eligible residents across the Chichester district will have the opportunity for free home visits from energy assessors. The visits are designed to help residents get the best deal on energy and to offer advice on useing heating controls effectively. 

The energy assessors will also carry out a survey of the property, and subject to criteria and availability, may offer free insulation of equipment such as hot water tank jackets and energy monitors. And they will signpost a range of wider assistance, such as the Warm Front grant for heating and insulation.

Letters will be delivered to eligible households in the next few weeks with details on how to book a free home visit.