Stafford Borough Council has partnered with fuel poverty charity, Beat the Cold, to provide support and advice to residents.

The joint initiative aims to tackle ill health caused by fuel poverty and cold homes, and help build lower-carbon communities by giving local people the information they need to make informed choices and access required support.

Beat the Cold advisors have been speaking to residents on the phone and at community outreach events and making home visits creating a potential overall benefit of £275,465 through resident savings, grants and social value.

Cllr Tony Pearce, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said: "Our partnership with Beat the Cold provided residents across the borough with access to expert help and advice on reducing costs and increasing energy efficiency as well as supporting healthier living.

"Almost half of all residents who engaged with the charity reported an immediate improvement to their sense of wellbeing following intervention with Beat the Cold and it is wonderful to hear someone say that support has been 'life changing' for their family."

180 households have now benefited from the scheme with one participant, a parent of three, who said: "I'm not working now due to my health and things have been tough.

"I honestly can't put into words how this support has made a difference.

"I am now on a better tariff and paying less each month.

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"This has taken a huge weight off my shoulders and given me peace of mind at a difficult time.

"It's literally life changing."

By working together, the council and Beat the Cold can refer residents for energy efficiency measures such as insulation and low carbon technology, offer advice on tariffs, energy supplier issues and water bills.

Additionally, anyone who is experiencing issues with damp or mould will be identified and given advice.

Those who are vulnerable or require energy to power medical equipment are helped to sign up to National Grid Priority Services Register which provides urgent support if there is a power cut.

Beat the Cold Chief Executive, Fiona Miller said: "We are proud to work with Stafford Borough Council as the commissioned Energy Advice Service, providing local residents with advice and guidance on their energy matters.

"Our strong links with government initiatives and other voluntary sector partners enable a seamless service which is simple to navigate, and Beat the Cold are able to simplify the process for residents, ensuring that they can affordably keep warm and power their homes effectively."

Click here to read the full case study.

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