NEA North West Fuel Poverty Forum Wednesday 6 th October 2010 – (BOLTON) “Tower block chills” David Lynch (Research Officer)

NEA & Cruddas Park:

Picture: Cruddas Park (1960s) Image provided by Newcastle City Council THE POST WAR MASS HOUSING DRIVE: Tower Blocks in the North West Region: EXAMPLES

Riverside Dene - Phases Recent ‘options appraisal’ carried out by council has recommended demolishment of the five remaining blocks. Due to cost.

SITE NAMECruddas Park Rebranded to Riverside Dene TOTAL NR EXISTING PROPERTIES (n Units) (gas DHS) 168 Sycamores (Direct Electric) 88 Larches (Direct Electric) 87 Hawthorns (Direct Electric) 87 Total Units: 430 EXISTING FUEL TYPEGAS DIRECT ELECTRIC New Installation FUEL TYPEBIOMASS WOOD PELLET (40%) GAS (60%) AVERAGE ANNUAL FUEL CONSUMPTION Electric (heat & dhw only) – 2, 701, 020 kWh per annum Gas - (heat & dhw only) 2, 148, 185 kWh per annum

Monitoring 6 th December 2009 to 10 th March Face to face interviews, accessing homes to gain insight into heating regimes using data loggers. Referred cases of concern to YHN

EFFECTS OF COLD ON HEALTH Cold homes and ill health Treatment of respiratory illness such as asthma and bronchitis imposes an enormous burden on health service resources. A drop in body temperature causes the blood to thicken making circulation more difficult and contributing to heart disease and strokes 18-24°C, no risk to sedentary, healthy people. Below 16°C, diminished resistance to respiratory infections. Below 12°C, increased blood pressure and viscosity. Below 9°C, after 2 or more hours, deep body temperature falls. Indoor environment is a source of health risk factor – most people spend more than 90% of time indoors

Explanation: Void Property was South Facing, No curtains present = Solar Gain Property was on 11 th floor, benefiting from heated property below.

James: (Living room) Temperature RHI% Min Max Average

Alan: (Living room) Temperature RHI% Min Max Average

All Tenants are now in! Each tenant received ‘a home loss’ payment of: £4,700, in line with government legislation. Some complaints the flats are too hot! 

Tenant Charges: Riverside Dene Blocks: Charges Per WEEK1 Bedroom2 BedroomDuplex Basic Rent£57.04£63.14£64.80 Concierge£13.33 TV Aerial£0.59 Hot Water Energy Charge*£7.38£11.07£12.91 Hot Water Infrastructure Charge*£2.64 Monthly Energy Charge*£40.08£54.84£62.20 Total Weekly Charges£80.98£90.77£94.27 * Unmetered, meters being installed in January 2011.

Interim report has been submitted to DECC May What next? Analysis with same sample of 14 tenants to commence October Health aspects also being considered. Analysis period December to March 2011 Final report to DECC March 2011 Also feedback to our key project partners

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