On Wednesday 23 January at Better Lives, 42 Market Street in Halifax town centre (opposite Tesco Metro), between 10am and 12.30pm, Calderdale Council and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau are holding an “affordable warmth” drop-in event.

This is so people can see what they could save on their heating bills and find out more about Better Homes Yorkshire “affordable warmth” heating and insulation schemes for residents on low incomes who own or privately rent their own homes.

Calderdale Council and Better Homes Yorkshire are offering 500 households fully funded insulation for attic bedrooms and lofts.  Typically, the homes that will be treated are stone-built, terraced properties.

Tenants living in social rented homes should contact their landlord to ask about works which may improve the energy efficiency of their home and could reduce their heating costs.

The Council’s Affordable Warmth team has teamed up with the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau to help people cut energy bills, by switching to White Rose Energy. This is the Council’s preferred energy switching and supply service for all local residents who could save money on their energy bills by switching to a cheaper tariff.

Although it is not-for-profit and committed to low prices, White Rose Energy website doesn’t say anything about whether its energy is renewably generated or comes from fossil fuels.  Which it should. As a company set up by Leeds City Council and endorsed by Calderdale Council, it should have a strong commitment to moving towards renewable energy generation asap. Because both councils are committed to reducing their areas’ carbon emissions and reducing global warming and climate change.

The Fuel Poverty Action Group has vital information about our rights to heating and lighting.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Environment, Cllr Daniel Sutherland, said:

“I’d encourage anyone who wants to find out more to call in to see our friendly and knowledgeable team at the drop-in event on Wednesday 23 January, or visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/warmhomes.”

One Calderdale resident who received advice from the Council’s Affordable Warmth team, found she could have a new boiler and loft insulation installed. Esther was also able to save money by switching energy supplier and with the support of the Council reduced her energy bill by approximately £700 a year.