Healthy Norwich – Affordable warmth
Fuel poverty can make many health conditions worsen, particularly
respiratory and heart problems.
A fuel-poor household is one which cannot afford to keep adequately warm
at a reasonable cost - typically if it costs more than 10 per cent of disposable income
to heat a home. Fuel poverty affects one in five city homes.
The issue is often made worse because of high energy bills, poorly-insulated
housing and under-performing heating systems.
Affordable warmth key points
ü Grants and benefits are available – You may be able to access grants and/or
other financial help to assist with paying energy bills or improving your home. You
may find you qualify for help with replacing your windows and doors, your boiler or
insulating your loft. Contact your local council and your energy provider to find out
your entitlement.
ü Look out for council-run schemes to help with energy bills – Norfolk councils
regularly run the free Big Switch and Save, which helps you find out if you could be
paying less for your power. Make sure you sign up, or contact your council for help
to do so.
ü Check you are on the cheapest energy tariff regularly – Contact your energy
provider regularly to make sure you’re on the cheapest possible tariff.
Simple ways to stay warm at home
Keep the heat in – Draught-proof doors and windows; insulate hot water cylinders and
pipes; close doors and curtains to keep heat in and make sure radiators are not obstructed.
Keep your home at the right temperature - If you can, set your heating to 18 to 21°C (65
to 70°F). Above this you’re wasting money, below this your health is at risk. Set heating
timers to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed.
Hot meals and drinks – These will help keep you warm. If getting out is difficult, keep a
stock of tinned, dried and frozen foods.
Keep active indoors if you can - Try to move around at least once an hour. If your mobility
is limited, try moving your arms and legs while sitting or just wiggling your fingers and toes.
Stay warm in bed – Layer up with socks, thermal underwear and a nightcap; several thin
layers of clothing are warmer than one thick one; use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket
(but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you’re in bed.
Check on older or vulnerable relatives and/or neighbours
If you can, make sure any vulnerable people you know are safe, warm and well and have
stocks of food, water, blankets and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold
weather.
How to spot if their health could be at risk when you visit
Do you want to keep your coat on when you visit?
Discoloured or black patches on walls, or a musty smell.
Condensation on windows and window sills.
Draughts from cracked or broken windows, gaps under doors, or under the floor.
No central heating or heating not being used.
Is the person able to move around?
Have they developed a cough or does their breathing seem more difficult?
Does their ability to use their hands seem to be getting worse? If they have arthritis
in their hands is that worse?
ü Are there signs of poor eating habits, such as wrappers and empty cans, but no
evidence of proper hot meals?
ü Do they wear a lot of clothes, or have a lot of blankets, hot water bottles – as if they
are struggling to keep warm?
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
More information
Norfolk Big Switch and Save: saves fuel bill costs collectively switching energy
providers. Register at www.bigswitchandsave.co.uk
Norwich City Council provides financial and energy saving advice; insulation/heating
grants, urgent heating need. Visit www.norwich.gov.uk or call 0344 980 3333
Broadland District Council provides energy saving advice; heating/insulation grants.
Visit www.broadland.gov.uk email [email protected] or call 01603 430627
Age UK Norwich provides advice on energy saving, benefits and pensions; befriending
and social activities. Call 01603 496333, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/norwich
Norfolk County Council provides support on adult care. Call 0344 800 8020 or visit
www.norfolk.gov.uk/adultcare
The Home Heat Helpline is a service for vulnerable customers struggling to pay their
bills. Call 0800 336699 (freephone) or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk