Flexible energy efficiency programmes for social & private housing British Gas HECA annual conference, May 12, 2004 LINDA DIXON – British Gas

Introduction Committed to energy efficiency and tackling fuel poverty British Gas approach – Innovative and differentiated holistic solutions – including assistance with energy efficiency, income support and fuel bills. – Partnering with public, private and voluntary sectors (Local Authorities, charities and consumer groups) to integrate funding and address a wide range of issues around fuel and household poverty. – Focusing on those who need help most, by targeting households in key areas of deprivation – Establish programmes that bring sustainable solutions to entire communities Range of schemes to cater for all households

Flexible energy efficiency programmes for social and private housing Local Authority Here to HELP Subsidised Priority Funding CFL’s WAL Grant funded Insulation programmes Private Landlord Schemes CFL’s Other Initiatives Think Energy REECH Social Housing Private Housing Other Initiatives

Benefits – Social Housing Programmes  Funding for insulation and heating schemes across a range of energy efficiency measures  Benefits Health Check  British Gas fuel bill discounts for households on income related benefits  Access to 7 national Charity Partners – RNIB, Help The Aged, Scope, Save the Children, Gingerbread, Family Welfare Association & National Debtline  Free CFL’s – Low Energy Lightbulbs, to all households “The 'here to HELP' initiative enhances our current programmes to a new level, by helping to maximise people's income through benefit checks and improving security and the well being of our residents through the various charity groups. We believe the scheme to be a real winner and we are currently identifying further areas to roll out the HELP scheme throughout the city.” Brian Sexton, Chief Programme Manager, Manchester City Council

Benefits – Private Housing Programmes  Free and Grant funded Insulation and heating schemes across a range of energy efficiency measures  Benefits Health Check  Free CFL’s – Low Energy Lightbulbs, to all households  Interest free credit  Energy efficiency home audit “I chose ‘here to HELP’ because of all the added benefits to our residents – the charity partners and benefits health checks. No-one else offered a programme with this range of benefits. British Gas also provided 500 Warm a Life and 1500 insulation packages so that all households in our area could benefit. By taking this kind of approach we can really make a difference to people’s lives.” Phil Brundrett, Maintenance Strategy Officer, Stoke on Trent City Council

Cardiff City Council the flexible approach

Other Initiatives Think Energy Free curriculum based energy education programme for schools in your area 17,000 schools are enjoying the benefits of the programme. This equates to over 50% schools in the UK. REECH Helping members of ethnic minorities overcome the barriers that can prevent them accessing energy efficiency advice and grants Working in London, Rochdale/Oldham, Bradford and Birmingham

‘here to HELP’ is making a real difference 577 ‘here to HELP’ communities established 292,012 homes 309 zones in progress or completed 76,858 home assessments completed, giving: 17,293 charity partner referrals – 4190 benefits delivered so far 7900 benefits assessments completed – £3.4m unclaimed benefits identified – Around £1,400 p.a. average increase Results: April 29, 2004

Robert Involved in a road accident four years ago Severely disabled and uses a motorised wheelchair to get around Had to give up his career as an engineer Lives on benefits in his bungalow supplied by Stoke City Council Father, Horace visits three times a day to tend to his needs  Fridge-freezer from FWA  Hot water jacket, energy efficiency lightbulbs, cavity wall and loft insulation  £5 discount on his energy bill  A grant from Scope for a ramp to enable him to get in and out of his father’s car and the redecoration of his home Information & advice from Scope about  a local group providing social activities for disabled people  where his parents can obtain additional support from social services

Tina 34 year old single mother from Stoke-on-Trent Lives in 2-bedroom council house with her 2 children Pays rent and is receiving benefit Works 16 hours per week Relies on her parents to help with childcare  Free energy efficient draughtproofing, loft insulation and energy efficiency light bulbs  £5 discount on her energy bill  Free membership to Gingerbread  Advice on local self help groups  Holiday with Gingerbread to Butlins  Day trips for the children  Access to a Gingerbread support group ‘……. the group really gives me something to look forward to. I find it is good to get out of the house and meet other people the same as you……..especially for people who are on their own they can’t afford these things – it is a big help’.

Lewis Lewis is 3 years old and has cerebral palsy He has significant speech delay and is non mobile He lives in Cornwall with his parents  Free loft insulation, draught proofing, free energy efficient advice and light bulbs  Scope assisted with applying for Disability Living Allowance Grant Application as well as general advice on disability issues  Also received a grant from Scope for a mountain ranger 3 wheeled buggy for Lewis so he can access the local area and also strengthen his leg muscles

EEC2 – impact for social housing providers EEC2 Consultation expected with 2 weeks Expecting contribution from suppliers over next 3 years to reach £1.3bn (EEC1 was £0.5bn) No major implications for local Authorities Existing arrangements for integration of EEC/LA funding to remain in place Due to the enhanced size of EEC2, there will be a greater concentration on private households How much work remains in Social Housing? EEC2 – impact for social housing providers

Finally… Thank you all for your help and support throughout the year.