Agenda item - Update on SHINE project and fuel poverty

37.1    Officers stated that fuel poverty was distinct from general poverty and had first been defined in the 1980s as: fuel costs above the average which if purchased would leave the individual below the poverty line. 15,000 households in the city were in fuel poverty which was higher than both regional and national averages. The housing stock in the city was aging and tended to be energy inefficient. Which combined with the high cost of living in the city made it difficult for people to heat their homes.

37.2    Fuel poverty could have a serious impact on health including cardiovascular difficulties, exacerbating arthritis and having a negative effect on mental health. A cold, damp house with mould and the occupant not turning on the heating were all signs of fuel poverty.

37.3    The Council had a campaign called ‘Warmth and Wellbeing’, a fuel poverty and affordable warmth strategy, and a new strategy for the Housing Revenue Account had been adopted at the Housing & New Homes Committee meeting in January 2018.

37.4    The SHINE energy efficiency project worked with leaseholders and tenants to reduce both pollution and fuel poverty. SHINE had conducted 250 advice visits to provide information to reduce fuel consumption and meet their wellbeing needs. SHINE had also referred residents to Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-op for home visits. SHINE would be training a team of volunteers to help advise residents how to reduce their fuel costs. The SHINE Team could be contacted on – shine@brighton-hove.gov.uk / 07711486589.