FUNDING SECURED JUST IN TIME AS COLD WEATHER LOOMS OVER US (East of England Liberal Democrats)

East of England Liberal Democrats <info@eastlibdems.org.uk>

FUNDING SECURED JUST IN TIME AS COLD WEATHER LOOMS OVER US

February 8, 2012 10:57 AM
Originally published by North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats

Mayor Dave Hodgson

Bedford Borough Council has secured an extra £124,500 funding to ensure vulnerable people stay warm throughout life-threatening spells of cold weather. The outcomes of the Warm Homes, Healthy People project will reduce the level of cold related illness and winter deaths in Bedford Borough due to cold housing.

Bedford Borough Council are sharing the funding with Warm Homes, Healthy People project partners, Age UK, the Salvation Army, Bedford Citizens Advice Bureau, Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation and Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC), to ensure those in need receive practical information, advice and support including warm clothing and heating equipment. The money will serve to reach out to those in urban and rural areas as well increasing the availability of shelter to homeless people during particularly severe weather conditions.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said, "This is wonderful news. The cold weather is really biting at the moment and to secure this money now means that many more people locally will be able to better deal with the extreme cold."

Bedford Borough Council was also successful in their bid for funding to deliver boiler replacements for homeowners over the age of 60 with inefficient boilers. If the home's current boiler is more than 12 years old, 'G' rated, a back boiler, been condemned, or is not working, residents may be eligible to benefit from the Council's Boiler Replacement Loan Scheme.

People who feel they could benefit from an application to the Warm Homes, Healthy People project should call Bedford Borough Council on 01234 228 635 and ask to be referred. Likewise, Bedford Borough organisations in touch with people who could benefit, can also call the same number.

Please also bear in mind, this Friday 10^th February is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, for more information visit http://www.nea.org.uk/fuel-poverty-awareness-day-2012/.