COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP

Introduction to NEA Fuel poverty The Community Action Partnership Workshop Introduction Session 1 Session 2 Next steps Overview

Introduction to NEA National fuel poverty charity aims to eradicate fuel poverty and campaigns for greater investment in energy efficiency to help those who are poor and vulnerable Established for over 30 years Works with central and regional government; public sector agencies; private sector energy companies; third sector organisations Main functions: campaigning, research and technical expertise, training, project development and delivery

What is Fuel Poverty? In England, the definition of fuel poverty is based on a Low Income High Costs (LIHC) framework. A household is said to be in fuel poverty if they have required fuel costs that are above average (the national median level) and were they to spend that amount they would be left with a residual income below the official poverty line. Put simply….. “The inability to afford to adequately heat the home” B.Boardman, Oxford University

The Scale of Fuel Poverty 2.4 million households in England are in fuel poverty (10.9% of households) * Q2 2013: average levels of electricity and gas debt outstanding were £316 and £341 respectively. Up 4% and 9% from the end of 2012 # Q2 2013: 1.6 million domestic electricity accounts (5.8%) and 1.5 million domestic gas accounts (6.5%) were in debt # * Source - Sub-Regional Fuel Poverty Levels, England 2011 : DECC # Source - Domestic Suppliers' Social Obligations Report Quarters 1 (Jan to Mar and 2 (April to June) 2013: Ofgem

Community Action Partnership British Gas and NEA are working with Barking & Dagenham Council and its partners to bring affordable energy to residents through practical activities and evaluate the impact on improving lives and the prosperity of the community.

2:45pmWorkshop IntroductionRebecca Jones, NEA 3:00pm Workshop Session 1 What is needed to tackle fuel poverty? [Themed discussion groups] All 3:45pmRefreshment Break 4:00pm Workshop Session 2 Influencing and engaging key stakeholders [Discussion group continuation] All 4:45pmSummary & Next StepsRebecca Jones, NEA 5:00pm Close Workshop Agenda

Workshop Aims To discuss the needs of the local community in tackling fuel poverty in order to understand how the Community Action Partnership can work closely with local organisations to enhance current services and promote sustainable practice. To enable local stakeholders to have input into the development of a new fuel poverty strategy for Barking & Dagenham.

Session 1 Q: What is needed to tackle fuel poverty? Themes Reducing fuel poverty in the Private Rented Sector Building bigger and stronger networks Raising Awareness / Targeting Support for Communities of Interest Strategy and policy

Session 1 Affordable Warmth Barriers Solutions 20 mins Identify the barriers to affordable warmth 25 mins Consider the possible solutions

Session 2 Influencing and engaging key stakeholders

Session 2 Theme Key AimObjectivesPotential Partners What you want to achieve as an overall goal Steps to achieving each aimAgencies that might be involved in project development or delivery

Next Steps NEA will; collate all of the information in today’s templates into a draft fuel poverty strategy liaise with Barking & Dagenham Council and its key partners to finalise the fuel poverty strategy consult with Barking & Dagenham Council and British Gas to identify activities to be supported through the Community Action Partnership

Thank you Have a safe journey home