Southend is best at tackling fuel poverty

The Council has beaten 14 other similar authorities to the top place, revealed by data collected for a Government National Indicator.

Fuel Poverty - where a household spends more than 10% of its income paying energy bills - is judged by measuring the energy efficiency of properties occupied by people claiming a means tested benefit.

A minimum of 400 properties need to be surveyed for the success of this monitoring, and the results are split into two categories

These are: N187(a) where the property has reading of less than 35 and could be considered a health hazard to the occupiers; and NI187(b) where the property has a reading of 65 and the occupiers will not be in Fuel Poverty.

The benchmarking exercise conducted by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting, uses results from financial year 2008/2009.

It indicates that out of 15 similar authorities, Southend comes top for NI187(a) - having no properties with readings of less than 35 - and is 5th for NI187(b) with 43%.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Head of Adult Commissioning, Martin Elliott says: "These results are very positive and show the efforts that the Council has taken to promote fuel efficiency.

"However the results also indicate that 57% of Southend's housing stock - whether Council Owned, Private Rented, Registered Social Landlord or Owner Occupied - falls into the area where occupiers on a low income risk being in Fuel Poverty.

"Fuel Poverty is not limited to one age or social group. It can impact on families with small children, the elderly, young couples, or those who are single. Should the occupier have health problems then any reduction in heating for financial reasons could seriously affect their condition.

"Southend on Sea Borough Council is a member of the Warm and Healthy Homes Partnership which offers insulation and energy efficiency measures to home owners / Private tenants.

"The scheme offers insulation at a fixed price or free if you are over 70 and on a means tested benefit. Residents can contact 0800-9806022 or apply online at http://www.healthywarmhome.org.uk/"

For more information about this media release please call the press desk on 01702-215000 ext 5505 or email media@southend.gov.uk.