Charity Petition Chancellor for Energy Reform

Free energy saving equipment installed into homes, as Age UK partners with Scope to lobby Chancellor Jeremy Hunt for a reformed energy tariff.

Age UK’s Home Energy Check programme is being further rolled out by local partner charity Age UK Plymouth. The initiative has been running since Autumn 2022 and is due to finish in mid-March. The Charity’s Handyperson Team receive trained in energy saving options, and they have been making home visits to share information on how to stay warm and well during winter, install free energy saving equipment and if needed, refer individuals to the Warm Homes Discount scheme.

Government guidelines stating that people over the age of 65 should heat their homes to at least 18C, has become increasingly difficult to follow as the cost of living crisis continues. In an open letter to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Secretary of State Grant Shapps, the charities Age UK and Scope have asked for the government to introduce a new discounted energy deal for those in need, insisting that older and disabled people are having to choose between eating and heating.

Matt Luscombe, Gardener & Handyperson Team Leader at Age UK Plymouth is passionate about the Home Energy Checks scheme saying: “By the end of March we will have been able to implement these home checks into 100 homes across Plymouth. Many of the properties we visit weren’t designed with a focus on energy efficiency. Small changes to a home all add up and the advice and equipment that we can provide and install for free can make a big difference.”

Feedback from people who have had the Home Energy Checks has been very positive, with satisfied clients coming back to charity to tell them how much they appreciate the team’s hard work and the difference it’s making to them during the energy crisis. “Zak came to my house last week and he was absolutely excellent. Polite, professional and knew exactly what he was doing – I couldn’t fault him,” said one lady.

Age UK Plymouth also hosts a weekly warm space on Friday mornings, supporting those over 50in the community who may be struggling with the rising cost of energy. “There are a variety of ways we are supporting older people in the community,” said Heather Stenning, Head of Services. “We were thrilled to have an additional allocation of funding for the Home Energy Checks, and our Information and Advice team continue to help Plymouth residents in receiving the funding and support they are entitled to. Our weekly warm space is a welcoming and safe environment but people should have the ability to be warm and comfortable in their own homes. By signing Age UK and Scope’s petition, you can show your support to helping people in our community live independent, comfortable and dignified lives.”

To find out more about working in partnership with Age UK Plymouth or to talk about how your group or organisation can work with or support the charity please email enquiries@ageukplymouth.org.uk.