3

Luton Borough Council believes wehave a moral and social obligation toenable people to heat their homes tothe level required for their health andcomfort.

Since 1998 we have worked withpartners in the community to achieveaffordable warmth for everyone inLuton. This updated strategydescribes the benefits we have aimedto achieve for local people, progresson these aims and the lessons wehave learned. It also indicates some ofthe outcomes of the objectives andtasks set out in the original strategyand shows how we will continue thisvital work in the years ahead.

The Council is delighted to havebeen awarded Beacon Status by theGovernment for tackling fuel poverty,one of only five councils in thecountry to win this prestigiousaward. We regard this as an awardmade to our partners in theAffordable Warmth Strategy as well.Through working in partnership wehave been able to help many morepeople in innovative ways. Now, as aconsequence of Beacon status wecan share our ideas and experiencesfurther, and help people elsewhere inthe country to benefit from what wehave learned.

The Council believes that no-oneshould have to live in a cold home orbe forced to choose whether to ‘heator eat’ Furthermore, it is a scandalthat anyone in the UK should diebecause their home is cold. Thisstrategy shows what we and ourpartners are doing to prevent thathappening in Luton. We hope youfind it useful.

Cllr Bill McKenzieLeader, Luton Borough Council

The inability to afford adequatewarmth in the home affects thehealth and well being of many ofLuton’s most vulnerable residents.The impact on our health of a cold ordamp home, or the worry aboutpaying fuel bills, cannot beunderestimated. Luton’s affordablewarmth strategy represents a trulymulti-agency approach to tacklingthe social and health problems thatarise when high fuel bills, cold homesand low incomes coincide.

The Health Action Zone was set up totackle such inequality and has beenproud to support the initiative fromits early days. The unique referralscheme involved is accessible to awide range of professionals who visitpeople’s homes as part of their dailywork and ensures those most at riskare reached.

The work has brought together abroad range of local agencies andpublic service departments because itaddresses fuel poverty, socialexclusion, energy efficiency andenvironmental improvement. Therehave been many opportunities toshare experiences and learn fromeach other along the way. Icommend this strategy to other areasto adapt to their local needs.

Susan GreyDirector, Luton Health Action Zone

Foreword

Our strategy to tackle fuel poverty 4

the death rate for babies in Luton downto the national average

The Affordable Warmth Strategy formsan intrinsic part of our work to achievethese goals, to combat poverty andsocial exclusion, and to improve thehealth of the people of Luton.

Our affordable warmthcommitment

Luton Borough Council believes that nohousehold should have to spend morethan 10% of disposable income on fuelto keep comfortably warm. ThisAffordable Warmth Strategy identifiesprocesses to work towards this aim.

This Affordable Warmth Strategy hasbeen developed to help address thesocial and health problems caused by fuelpoverty in Luton. It is the product of apartnership between Luton BoroughCouncil, NEA and colleagues in thehealth, voluntary sector and thecommunity, who are developing newways of working together for the benefitof local residents.

Luton BoroughCouncil believes thatno household shouldhave to spend morethan 10% ofdisposable incomeon fuel to keepcomfortably warm.The Affordable Warmth Strategy willcontribute to the fulfilment of other

responsibilities of the Council, such asthe requirements of the Home EnergyConservation Act (1995), thecommunity plan and the councils socialinclusion strategy. It also forms a keypart of the Council’s Energy Strategywhich promotes energy efficiency notjust in its own premises but across theborough.

Addressing problems of energyefficiency and maximising income forlow incomes households is resulting inimprovements to the health and well-being, as well as the comfort, of manylocal residents.

Luton’s Affordable Warmth Strategybrings together the Health Action Zone,Luton Borough Council, and colleaguesin the Health Service, voluntaryorganisations and the community. Weare working in partnership to combatfuel poverty and achieve affordablewarmth for all the residents of Luton.This document is an update of ourstrategy that was launched in 1998.

Since the strategy was launched the UKFuel Poverty Strategy has beenproduced. This demonstrates, for thefirst time, a commitment from centralgovernment to tackle the problems ofFuel Poverty on a national basis. Thiscommitment along with the inclusion ofthe Tackling Fuel Poverty Theme inround 3 of the Government’s BeaconScheme further re-inforces theimportance of this issue and the need todevelop a strategic approach to acomplex problem.

The five key aims of the original strategyremain the same but are nowaccompanied by brief progress reportsand, where appropriate, future plans.Also included in this document is a listof a number of outcomes frominitiatives and projects undertaken sincethe strategy was launched.

Getting the best for Luton

The Council has adopted the Vision2010 which describes the quality of lifewe want to achieve for Luton’s people in2010. Our goals include:

Deprivation: All wards in Luton toimprove, and no ward in Luton to bewithin the 10% most deprived wards inEngland.

Health improvement: Halve the gapbetween life expectancy of people inLuton and the rest of the country; bring

Introduction

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Addressingproblems of energyefficiency for peopleliving on lowincomes is expectedto result inimprovements tothe health and well-being, as well asthe comfort, ofmany localresidents.

Fuel poverty occurs when a household isunable to afford adequate warmth, dueto the combined effect of lowhousehold income, inadequate andexpensive forms of heating andinefficient thermal characteristics of thehome. In other words it is acombination of cold homes, lowincomes and high fuel bills.

Fuel poverty disproportionately affectsspecific groups, most notably olderpeople on low incomes; lone parents,especially those with young children;disabled people; unemployed people,especially those under 25; and the long-term unemployed.

The factors which contribute to fuelpoverty often reinforce each other. Forexample, people experiencing fuelpoverty are more likely to spend longperiods of time in the home andtherefore need to consume more fuel.They also tend to have little capital toinvest in energy efficiency measures orimproved heating systems. Furthermore,because a high proportion live inprivately rented accommodation onshorthold tenancies, there is littleincentive to make such investments.This combination of poor housing andinadequate heating often contributes topoor health.

Other features of fuel poverty includelarge debts to utility companies.Because people on low incomes aremore likely to get into fuel debt, manyare required to pay for fuel byprepayment meters as an alternative todisconnection. Tariffs for prepaymentcustomers are higher than those forcredit/direct debit customers, whichfurther compounds disadvantage.

Deregulation of the gas and electricityindustries has brought further concernsfor groups vulnerable to fuel poverty.Evidence suggests that low-income

consumers have benefited least from theintroduction of increased competitionand market forces. There is a fear thatfuel suppliers in the competitive gas andelectricity markets will principally beinterested in supplying more affluentconsumers, resulting in higher prices forlow-income consumers.

Fuel poverty andvulnerable households

Our strategy to tackle fuel poverty 6

The symptoms of fuel poverty includelow income, poor housing, inadequateheating, poor insulation standards andhigh fuel costs. Social, economic andphysical indicators show that manyhouseholds in Luton experience theseproblems.

Population

The 2000 Official Mid-Year PopulationEstimate from the Office of NationalStatistics is 182,300, but this isthought to undercount the largestudent population.

Black and minority ethniccommunities as a percentage ofthe population 22.9%*

Pakistani 8.5%

Indian 3.8%

Black Caribbean 3.7%

Bangladeshi 2.8%

Black African 1.1%

Black Other 1.0%

Chinese 0.3%

Others 1.7%

* Luton also has a considerable Irish

population. A clearer picture of this will be

available following publication of the 2001

Census but a rough estimate is approx 7%.

Ethnic Origin; Breakdown of nonwhite ethnic groups in Luton

Households

Total number: 72,654

Tenure

Owner-occupiersOutright 20.0%Buying 54.6%

Private Rented 8.2%

Housing association 3.6%

Local authority 13.6%

Luton Borough Council has an energyimprovement strategy for public sectorhousing, but the majority of homes inLuton are privately owned. Many ofthese are in need of repair. A PrivateSector House Condition Survey carriedout in 2001 identified 3,300 propertiesas unfit for human habitation. This is 5%of Luton’s private sector stock. Inaddition, although improvements toinsulation have been extensive there arestill opportunities for improvement. Forexample, there are over 14,600 (28%)dwellings which do not have adequateloft insulation.

Profile of Luton

1%

17%

5%

16%

7%

4%

38%

12%

Key

Indian

Black African

Black Carribean

Other

Black Other

Pakistani

Bangladeshi

Chinese

The majority of homes rented fromHousing Associations are relativelymodern and in good condition but it isan aim of this strategy to work moreclosely with the other social landlords inthe town to ensure that this section ofthe housing stock remains in goodcondition and benefits from increasedenergy efficiency measures whereappropriate.

Since the strategy was produced in1998 Luton has benefited from threeyears additional Health Action ZoneInnovations funding to fast trackPrivate Sector Householdimprovements and energy efficiencymeasures for disabled people and thosesuffering from ill health.

Fuel Poverty in Luton

Households in Luton who are in fuelpoverty, i.e. spending more than 10%of net household income on energycosts:15,455 or 25.8% of all householdsin Luton. Of these, an estimated 6,733households are spending more than15% of net income on fuel, and aretherefore regarded as being in seriousfuel poverty.

9% of all households in Luton areestimated to be in need (6,553households). This means that they aredeemed unsuitable in terms of physicalcondition and household is unable to

7

afford to move. Household tenure andtype are important in determininghousing need within Luton. The mostfrequently occurring hazards due to poorhousing occurring in Luton are falls,asbestos and excessive cold.

5% of total housing stock is deemed unfit.21% of houses in Dallow are unfit, andBiscot, South, Saints and High Town haveunfitness rates between 11 and 14%.

Density: 39.6 per hectare, (77.7% ininner wards). More densely populatedthan some London boroughs.

Unemployment

Luton remains an area of high long-termunemployment with percentages aboveregional and national averages.

• Unemployment was 3.9% in June 2002,

compared to a national figure of 3.1%.

• Out of 16 wards, four wards (Biscot,

Dallow, High Town, South) account for

25.7% of all unemployed people.

Deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000shows two wards in Luton as particularlydeprived. Biscot and Dallow wards both

In fuel poverty In serious fuel poverty

Biscot 763 households (24%) 796 households (25%)

Dallow 354 households (11.7%) 877 households (29%)

High Town 512 househlds(11.6%) 450 households (10.2%)

Saints 329 households (15.4%) 329 households (15.4%)

The wards of the town most affected by fuel poverty

feature in the top 10% of deprivedwards in England. Elsewheredeprivation is hidden in small pocketsbut can be significant.

24% of primary, 26% of secondarychildren on the school roll receive FreeSchool Meals National figures areprimary 17.6% and secondary 15.8%.

Health

Birth weights are lower than for the restof Bedfordshire. In Luton, Perinatalmortality is 40% higher than thenational average. Luton has higher ratesthan the regional and England andWales average for low birthweight,stillbirths and deaths during the firstyear of life.

Luton also has a comparatively highdeath rate from accidents, with roadtraffic accidents and falls among olderpeople being the major contributors.

Luton has a standardised mortality ratioof 107, compared to 96 for the East ofEngland region as a whole.

Minority Ethnic health risks in Innerwards of Luton are four times thenational average for heart disease,strokes, infant mortality and accidents.

Our strategy to tackle fuel poverty 8

Development of the affordablewarmth strategy

Affordable warmth is a concept whichmust take account of a range ofsubjects, from technical solutionsinvolving improved energy efficiency torecognition of the social aspects of fuelpoverty. It was important therefore thatall these factors were considered in thedevelopment of the strategy.

The consultation process began with theestablishment of a steering group,comprising representatives from thelocal authority, health authority andNEA. This steering group identifiedthose organisations and communitygroups whose members couldcollaborate in devising ways ofachieving affordable warmth in Luton.

A workshop was held in which the mainaims and objectives of an affordablewarmth strategy for Luton weredeveloped. Participants in theworkshops are acknowledged at the endof this document. Following the firstworkshop, further consultation tookplace in order to develop some ideasand investigate the feasibility of others.A second workshop refined the tasks tobe undertaken and established thetargets and timescales to implement thestrategy. Emphasis was placed on howthe strategy could be delivered to thewhole community, with assistance fromthe voluntary sector, community groupsand the health authority.

Delivery of the affordable warmthstrategy

The need for a variety of differentapproaches which are appropriate forLuton’s diverse target audience isrecognised. The profile of Luton’sresidents will help us to begin tocombat fuel poverty by targeting

appropriate affordable warmthmeasures towards the town’s mostvulnerable groups. In addition relevantand accessible advice and informationabout grants and other schemes whichcan help will be made widely availableto local people.

The multi-agency approach establishedin the development of this strategy willbe central to its successful delivery. Thestrategy will be monitored and thesteering group will continue to meet atregular intervals.

Our key aims

Key aim 1

To raise the profile of energy awarenessamong Luton Borough Council staff andother organisations in the Borough

Key aim 2

To ensure that energy awareness andadvice reaches the most vulnerablemembers of the community

Key aim 3

To implement the affordable warmthstrategy within Luton Borough Council’sown housing stock

Key aim 4

To encourage and assist affordablewarmth programmes in private sectorand housing association properties

Key aim 5

To take advantage of competitive fuelsupply market on behalf of low-incomeconsumers

The affordablewarmth strategy

9

Key aim 1To raise the profile of energy awareness among Luton Borough Council staff andother organisations/agencies in the Borough

Objectives

1 Establish central focus pointto keep up to date withnational fuel poverty issues

2 Ensure Affordable WarmthStrategy is integrated withother energy initiatives withinthe Council

3a Train key staff to NEA Cityand Guilds 6176 Energyawareness

3b Add additional Welfare Rightsadvice to above certificatedcourse participants

4 Increase energy awareness forwide range of individuals,both Council and HealthAuthority staff, voluntarygroups and in the community

5 Ensure multi-agency feed-backis provided to national fuelpoverty/energy efficiencyorganisations and policymakers

6 Monitor delivery of energyadvice

Progress 1999-2002Key points of contacts established for:

• National fuel poverty developments/anti-poverty 01582 546979

• Energy efficiency developments and private sector 01582 546115

• Council tenants 01582 546198

Affordable Warmth Strategy an integral part of LBC Energy Strategy

Affordable Warmth also a part of Luton’s LA21/Sustainability strategy

Affordable Warmth included in local Health Improvement Plan

Affordable Warmth recognised and a part of Strategy for Older People’s Services

Affordable Warmth to be embedded in the developing Community Strategy andHealth Improvement and Modernisation Plan

12 people (from Council, NHS trust, and voluntary sector) passed the City andGuilds 6176, Energy Awareness training

Relaunched referral system enables referrers to access comprehensive benefitsadvice and support

Over 400 people have attended energy awareness training sessions at variouslocations throughout Luton. Participants include representatives from council,health, voluntary sector and community members

Regular articles in appear in Council and Health Action Zone newsletters. Regularupdates are communicated by email to all council employees

Responses made to Government consultation papers on an ongoing basis.LBC officers members of steering group of National Right to Fuel and HECA EastNetwork

Partnership with Luton featured in NEA guide to developing Affordable Warmthstrategies

Luton identified as example of good practice in UK Fuel Poverty Strategy

Awarded Beacon Status for Tackling Fuel Poverty, a recognition of Luton’spartnership work

NEA evaluated Luton’s Affordable Warmth Strategy

Affordable Warmth Steering group (meet quarterly) and Referral Scheme workingGroup (meet monthly) monitor effectiveness of practices – both groups are multi-agency

Effectiveness of training studied as a student thesis

Referral scheme analysis provides quantitative and qualitative date

General awareness and uptake of Warm Front grants higher in Luton thansurrounding area

Baseline data on level of fuel poverty in Luton (24.8% of private sectorhouseholds) determined as part of Luton’s House Condition Survey

Survey carried out of Affordable Warmth awareness of Luton Against PovertyForum members

Regular Energy Matters newsletter seeks views / feedback

Affordable Warmth website now created with opportunities to feedback /comment on site and ongoing work in Luton

Tasks for the future

Overarching Corporate Social InclusionStrategy includes reference to anti -poverty and sustainability

Affordable Warmth work will feature asa part of strategy aims

Luton Against Poverty Forum currentlyprovide low cost benefits awarenessand advice training to community andvoluntary groups. Energy Awarenesstraining to link with next series of thistraining

Energy Awareness training and updatesessions to be continued indefinitely

Regular information and advice to beprovided through both councilpublications and local press

Currently researching local figures forexcess winter deaths and cold relatedillness, GP visits and Hospital stays

Beacon Information pack to beavailable from October 02

Will also deliver various disseminationactivities during year July 02-July 03

Cost Benefit analysis of referral schemeto be carried out

Continue to survey Affordable WarmthReferrers

Ongoing communication to peoplewho have attended training and toreferral partners

Will promote interaction andevaluation via websiteAlso encourage dialogue throughnewsletter

Our strategy to tackle fuel poverty 10

Key aim 2To ensure that energy awareness and advice reach the most vulnerable membersof the community

Objectives1 Identify the most vulnerable

members of the community

2 Establish referral system fromfront-line staff to specialistagencies

3 Identify best opportunities fortrained staff to provide one toone advice in the community

4 Provide information inappropriate format,considering literacy /language issues

4a Create displays of up-to-dateinformation in appropriatevenues throughout the townand in formats accessible todifferent communities andgroups

4b Review Winter Warmer Pack

4c Produce sticker with keycontact numbers for use byadvisors and other homevisitors

4d Ensure training andinformation packs areaccessible to speakers ofcommunity languages and areavailalbe in appropriatevenues

4e Update and distributeinformation regularly

4f Identify effective methods ofcascading information withinthe community eg events andjoint presentations

Progress 1999 - 2002Energy awareness training targeted to those groups ofprofessionals and individuals coming into contact with the mostvulnerable as part of their daily lives

Occupational therapists from the L&D hospital and other healthworkers now aware and regularly make referrals

Warm Front application form and Council letter sent toeveryone on housing benefit generated X new Warm Frontapplications

Leaflets and information available for people renewing buspasses.

October 1999-March 2000

Pilot referral scheme delivered -

Circulated report and amended scheme

Launch of full referral scheme incorporating lessons learned

Affordable Warmth Support Worker now employed in SocialServices.

Scheme now mainstream funded by LBC having beenpreviously part funded by Luton Health Action Zone

Evaluation of pilot referral scheme shows its effectiveness inreaching particularly vulnerable people. Ongoing statistics provethat this continues to be the case

Local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre staff provide advice atcommunity centres and at Luton Citizens Advice Bureau.

Provision of ongoing Energy Awareness sessions continues toincrease pool of energy aware staff

Information/grants/leaflet etc available at community centres,housing and Town Hall reception, sports centres

Posters available to all partners

NEA At Home with Energy booklets available to key agencies inUrdu, Panjabi, Bengali and English

Signing available and has been provided at training events

Energy matters information sheet updated regularly andemailed/distributed to groups on database

Talks and grants directed specifically to ethnic minoritycommunity groups

Energy Matters now distributed through HAZlink network inaddition to our own database members

Currently use Age Concern leaflets rather than updating WinterWarmer Pack but will revisit this. Intention to insert localcontact data.

Databases of all people who have been involved in AffordableWarmth initiatives now available as single database for ease ofdistributing information

Two Energy matters Newsletters produced (March and July2002) These are distributed to all public information points inCouncil and to all on Affordable Warmth database

Over 300 people in partner agencies have now attended energyawareness talks/training – Sessions provided on ongoing basis

Tasks for the futureEnsure that targeted training provision continues

Further mail out to be sent to Housing Benefit recipientsto encourage take-up of Warm Front

Affordable Warmth Awareness Initiative to work inpartnership with Winter Flu Vaccination Campaign

Developing Winter Warmer packs to distribute tovulnerable households – to include information/advice/hypothermia thermometers and other promotionalproducts to help enable warmth

Referral Scheme to continue with increased mainstreamfunding - full Cost Benefit Analysis to be carried out withaim of assessing health, social and economic gain ofscheme

Aim to use referral system to access furtherhealth/social/economic gain for vulnerable households

i.e. fitting free smoke alarms; possible extension ofhandyperson scheme

Continue to develop supported employmentopportunities via Cosy Homes Scheme

Currently researching possible links with other referralschemes such as Warm Zones

Energy awareness training to continue on regular basisthroughout the Borough

Further development to take place in this area regardingprovision of locally appropriate information

Regular dissemination of Energy Matters Information tocontinue

Newsletter to be produced quarterly

New CosyRosy branding of Affordable Warmth work tobe widely promoted

Rolling programme of Energy Awareness Training to bedelivered

Winter warmer information to be updated and includedin packs distributed (see above)

Energy Bus to be used for 2002 Energy Efficiency weekwith promotional packs/activities and information for fuelpoor households

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Objectives5 Target community venues for

information and advice

5a Approach Job Centres,doctors’ surgeries, communitycentres, day centres, otheradvice agencies and LBCaccess points

5b Set up permanent displaypoints in selected venues

5c Establish system of updatingdisplays

6 Maintain link betweenaffordable warmth and HAZprogramme and HAILinitiative

7 Raise the profile of energyefficiency with schools inLuton

7a Link to Healthy Schools Bedsprogramme

7b Liaise with LAPIS re its workto incorporate energy issuesin the school curriculum

Progress 1999 - 2002Database for distribution of energy efficiency informationincludes sports centres, community centres, health centres,libraries, youth centre, voluntary organisations, minority ethnicgroups

Poster borders distributes to key venues. Updated energy grantsand offers information sent by email or hard copy and can bestuck to the middle of the poster for display purposes.

Permanent points are in Housing Reception and at the mainentrance of the Town Hall

Affordable warmth display board was prepared for the AnnualHAZ Stakeholder event in 2000

Distribution to health organisations and contacts now part ofthe main database. PCT representative on the AffordableWarmth Steering group.

Fuel Poverty clearly recognised within Wider Determinants ofHealth group in Health Action Zone.

Specialist materials prepared for health professionals to promoteinvolvement in Referral Scheme

Energy information is included on the Recycling Bus which visitsschools (and community events)

Information is sent to schools on request

The Energy Saving Trust have developed a pack for schools thisinformation has been sent to all schools in Luton

LAPIS link is no longer available

New branding image ‘Cosy Rosy’ launched – child/youngperson friendly image to promote awareness of energy andaffordable warmth issues

Tasks for the futureWinter Warmer packs to be distributed to GP surgeriesand health visitors

Cosy Rosy column in local press with regular updates andinformation for residents

Continued work to promote awareness of fuel povertyamongst health professionals via Wider determinantsgroup within HAZ and the Luton PCT

To work together with Winter Flu Jab Campaign andinclude affordable warmth information and advice

Cosy Rosy Branding to be used to raise awareness ofissues amongst school children

Work with schools to be priority in Sept 02/03 academicyear

Our strategy to tackle fuel poverty 12

Key aim 3To implement the affordable warmth strategy for Luton Borough Council’shousing stock and Registered Social Landlords

Objectives1 Establish energy profile for

housing stock.

2 Improve energy efficiency ofpublic sector housing stock

3 Select appropriate indicatorto define affordability

3a Research indicators foraffordability

3b All properties to reach aminimum of NHER level 4 byMarch 2000.

4 Maintain current level ofbudget for improving energyefficiency of housing

5 Maximise fundingopportunities

5a Ensure maximum use ofcapital receipts

5b Liaise with Warm Frontinstallers

5c Identify electrically heatedproperties for SoP funding(now liaise with fuel supplycompanies to maximisefunding opportunities)

6 Establish energy efficiencystandards in HousingAssociation Refurbishment

Progress 1999 - 2002Energy profile of housing stock for 2001/2002 complete.Average NHER rating is 6.7 and SAP 58

There is a planned programme of works aimed at achieving30% reduction in energy use over a 15 year period for CarbonDioxide reduction

Energy efficiency improvements programme on target

Condensing boilers now form an increasingly large part of theprogramme of replacement heating works, which has beenexpanded after successful evaluation

In line with the introduction of Part L of the BuildingRegulations, all replacement windows now utilise Pilkington ‘K’glass for increased thermal performance

Guaranteed provision of gas fired central heating for alldwellings without central heating

Programme of replacement communal heating systems hasbegun incorporating automatic energy management systems.Typical energy savings in the region of 10-20%

Continuing to assess properties with an NHER rating of less than4 and directing funds accordingly. Currently there are 300-400such properties, usually without heating systems or using solidfuel. Many of the people living in these properties do not wishto change

Budget for insulation and other energy efficiency measures isbeing maintained. Annual expenditure on energy relatedprojects now totals £3,800,000

Luton HAZ funded pilot project encouraging training/jobcreation in connection with installation of insulation took place.Project known as Working Luton - they now have contract forrolling programme of insulation and draughtproofing of councilproperties

50 trainees have now been through the Working Luton schemeand over 50% are now in full time work or further education.Anecdotal evidence of the success of individual trainees andhouseholder satisfaction is particularly pleasing

Liaison with fuel supply companies is ongoing to maximiseresources

Established formal links with energy consultants to actively seekadditional funding for energy enhancement works

Links made with Housing Associations but limited response

Links made with Empty Homes Strategy

Tasks for the futureThe target is to achieve an increase in SAP of one pointper year until 2005. This would bring an overall energysaving of around 20%

Maintain existing monitoring arrangements to ensuretargets are met and profile data is up to date.

Review current work programmes to incorporate energyefficiency measures as recommended to improve stockprofile

Establish database of RSL stock to include indicators ofthermal efficiency

Replace obsolete heating systems with high efficiencyboilers or where possible condensing boiler systems

Review alternative systems as a replacement for districtheating schemes

Plan to increase future spending priorities into energyefficiency measures and link with decent homes strategy

To continue to pursue new partners that will attractadditional funding and guidance for energyimprovement works

To support the implementation of the WorkingLuton/New Deal energy initiative in the Marsh Farm areato training young persons and improve energy efficiencywithin the area

Encourage RSLs improving their stock to access HousingCorporation funding to improve thermal efficiency ofolder stock

Utilise existing LBC/RSL development forum to promoteenergy efficiency within Housing Association Stock

13

Key aim 4To encourage and assist affordable warmth programmes in the private sector

Objectives1a Develop partnerships with

Housing Associations toencourage enhancedstandards of energy efficiency

1b Presentations to local HousingAssociation Liaison group

2 Enable / encourage privatelandlords to improve theaffordable warmth of theirproperties

2a Presentations to private sectorLandlords Forum

2b Investigate the feasibility ofenergy rating within the newHMO registration scheme

2c Provide Warm Front advice totenants

2d Liaise with University onenergy efficiency in studentproperties

2e Investigate the feasibility of abulk discount scheme forlandlords and HMOs

3 Seek to maximise budget forimproving condition ofprivate sector housing and itsenergy efficiency

3a Ensure energy efficiencyconsiderations are built in toannual budget review

3b Seek new opportunities forfunding (EST, CRI etc)

3c Consider feasibility ofintegrating Warm Frontgrants with Council grant-aided work

4 Incorporate and improveenergy efficiency measuresinto Renovation, HomeRepairs Assistance, andDisabled Facilities Grants

4a Include energy efficiencymeasures in housing grantwork where appropriate

4b Ensure energy advice is givenfollowing installation ofenergy efficiency measuresand that residents understandthe use of controls

5 Seek to maximise uptake ofWarm Front and other grantsavailable to people on a lowincome

5a Liaise with Warm Frontrepresentatives

5b Set up two way referralsystem for applicants to WarmFront and applicants to LBChousing grants

5c Investigate possibility ofCouncil top up to include allWarm Front measures

Progress 1999 - 2002Meeting with Housing Associations to encourage interest inenergy efficiency and deliver presentation on renewable energy

Newsletter sent to all Housing Association with request for mostappropriate contact has brought some response

Presentations on energy efficiency and grants at each LandlordsForum

Warm Front forms for landlords sent to every landlord alongwith leaflets for residents

Energy rating within HMO registration scheme not possible atthe moment

HECAction grants promoted at landlords forum – bulk discountscheme available to landlords

University owned premises have reasonable insulation andheating. Problems arise where students rent privateaccommodation that is not registered with the University

Warm Front leaflets promoted to all households on housingbenefit – Warm Front also promoted through AffordableWarmth Referral Scheme together with benefits advice andsocial care assistance

HAZ funding secured from 1999-2003 to improve health bysmall home improvement grants for those most in need. Theseinclude insulation/heating/double glazing

HECAction scheme offering bulk discounts on home insulationand solar panels secured 2000/03

Uptake of schemes offered by fuel supply companies isencouraged

HAZ funding for pilot scheme offering free insulation forhouseholds just above benefit level – Cosy Homes

Now offering specific energy grants (insulation and heating) aspart of HAZ funding -

Referrals made for Warm Front where appropriate

Energy efficiency measures incorporated into the housing grantsprogramme. Advice given on use of controls and on generalenergy efficiency following installation of energy efficiencymeasures. All measures installed are the most energy efficientconsidered suitable and cost effective. Reports on all energyrelated work is logged

New contacts made with New HEES /Warm Frontrepresentatives and some installers Affordable Warmth referralscheme enables cross referrals to other housing grants and help.

Warm Front represented on Affordable Warmth Steering andReferral Working Group

Referrals to Warm Front now made on line for ease ofmonitoring progress and challenging refusals

Access to feedback from Warm Front remains a problem

Training on Warm Front and Warm Front+ for LBC staffincluded within energy awareness training

Top ups for Warm Front+ grants are available as part of HAZgrants

Warm Front funded mail out to all housing benefit recipients inorder to maximise uptake of a group known to be eligible forfree grants – uptake resulted in 250-330 new claimants

New mail out to Housing Benefit recipients being planned

Tasks for the futureOffer/extend training in energy efficiency issues to RSLstaff

Consider pilot of ‘eco home’ within a new build RSLdevelopment within three years

Continue working to develop better relationship withlandlords and promote greater awareness of energyefficiency and affordable warmth issues

Further Warm Front Mail out to Housing Benefitsclaimants planned this winter

HECAction Scheme to be further promoted throughEEAC

Cosy Homes leaflet to be prepared for students(ineligible for Warm Front) Aim to use Universityaccommodation lists and do leaflet drop to agenciesalong with promotion via students unions andaccommodation offices

Currently working on continuation strategy to securefuture funding for this successful scheme

Ensure all LBC Grant Officers are trained in energyefficiency and are kept informed of current good practice

Provide advice to contractors engaged on grant fundedrenovation work

Seek and secure new sources of external funding tosupport programme

Our strategy to tackle fuel poverty 14

Key aim 5To take advantage of competitive fuel supply market on behalf of low-incomeconsumers

Objectives1 Provide unbiased information

to householders on tariffs,contracts from suppliers.

1a Identify fuel suppliers servingLuton

1b Compare and contrast tariffsand other information andprovide in an accessibleformat for residents.

1c Monitor the local effects ofcompetition.

1d Liaise with national fuelpoverty groups andregulatory bodies.

2 Investigate potential benefitsof endorsing a fuel supplierfor residents of Luton.

3 Investigate alternative ways ofpaying for fuel.

Progress in 1999 - 2002Trading Standards have guidance on switching energy supplierand have agreed to publicise the Ofgem website which has upto date information on current tariffs

Effect of competition being monitored via Competition MonitorAdvisory Group CSE – Luton sits on the steering group of thisand the also National Right to Fuel.

Links to relevant websites will be on the planned website

Bid for linking renewable energy and fuel poverty wasunsuccessful

Evaluation of the benefits of endorsing a supplier for counciltenants. On hold and unlikely to proceed.

Interagency training covered the benefits and disadvantages ofdifferent ways of paying for fuel. Meeting with Equigas toascertain benefits of single equitable tariff for all domesticcustomers

Tasks for the futureContinue to research and seek opportunities for fundingfrom fuel suppliers

Promote Trading Standards ‘Doorstep Do’s and Don’t’s’guide

Information and advice page to be developed on website

15

Over 300 people, mostly those workingwith vulnerable households in Luton,have attended energy awarenesstraining.

700 people have been referred foradvice and assistance through theAffordable Warmth referral schemesince April 2001. The scheme hassuccessfully accessed hard to reachhouseholds with 76% of recipientsliving in Private Sector Households and81% over 60 (48% over 75).

Through thisscheme local peoplehave been assistedto make successfulclaims for benefitsworth an extra£400,000 a year intotal. This figure isconstantlyincreasing.5000 easy-to-read room thermometershave been distributed to elderly andvulnerable people, with an informationsheet on how to keep warm and avoidhypothermia.

£900,000 in grant aid has beenawarded by HAZ to be spent from2000/01 to 2003/04 on minor housinggrants targeted at health gain. About60% of these are spent on energyefficiency measures.

In 2001/02 92 energy efficient kettlesand 4,500 low energy lightbulbs were

distributed free to low incomehouseholds.

Over 80 eye-catching Energy Mattersposter sites across Luton are updatedregularly to provide information onenergy efficiency, including currentoffers and grants.

Printed advice is provided in English,Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali, anddistributed by partners in the AffordableWarmth Group.

11 council staff and voluntary sectorworkers achieved the City and Guilds6176 Energy Advice qualification.

Council housing stock

The average SAP rating in 1996 for LBChousing stock was 50. By March 2002 ithad reached 58.

£3.8 million is spent annually on energyefficient projects. Each year on average,

• 900 properties receive roof insulation

• 450 properties receive cavity wallinsulation

• 600 properties are double glazed

• 65 non-traditional dwellings receiveexternal wall insulation

• 700 properties obtain new, insulatedexternal doors

• 475 condensing or high efficiencyboilers are installed

• 6 energy management systems areinstalled on communal heatingsystems.

Affordable warmth 1998 - 2002Below are some key results of the many achieved scince Luton adopted itsaffordable warmth strategy

Our strategy to tackle fuel poverty 16

C&YD Community and YouthDevelopment Division

CRI Capital Receipts Initiative

EEAC Energy Efficiency Advice Centre

ED Education Department

ES Environmental ServicesDepartment

EST Energy Saving Trust

HAIL Health Action In Luton

HAZ Health Action Zone

HECA Home Energy Conservation Act1995

HEES Home Energy EfficiencyScheme

HIP Housing InvestmentProgramme

HIMP Health Improvement andModernisation Plan

HMO Houses in Multiple Occupation

HS Housing Services Department

LA21 Local Agenda 21

LAPF Luton Against Poverty Forum

LAPIS Luton and Peshawar Initiativefor Sustainability

LBC Luton Borough Council

LEEHDS Luton’s Energy Efficiency HomeDiscount Scheme

NEA National Energy Action

NHER National Home Energy Ratingscheme

PCT Primary Care Trust

PES Public Electricity Suppliers

SAP Standard AssessmentProcedure

SBCHCT South Bedfordshire CommunityHealth Care Trust

SoP Standards of Performance

SSD Social Services Department

WRVS Women’s Royal VoluntaryService

Glossary

17

Luton Borough Council Publications

• Anti-Poverty Strategy 1997/98

• Social Inclusion Strategy April 2000

• Home Energy Report 2002

• Private Sector House Condition Survey

1995

• Planning and Development Department

1991 Census of Property and Population

• Housing Strategy and Housing Factors

2001/02 and 2002/03

• Local Taxation Division - Housing Benefit

Information

• Unemployment and Vacancies - Monthly

Bulletin

• Population Estimates and Forecasts 2000

(in conjunction with Bedfordshire

County Council)

• Ethnicity in Luton

• Luton in Figures 2000

Social Trends 1996, HMSO

Public Health in Bedfordshire and Luton2001 Annual Report

Luton and Bedfordshire HealthImprovement and Modernisation Plan2002-2005

Action for Affordable Warmth - Astrategy for Manchester, NEA, 1996

Competitive Energy Markets and LowIncome Consumers Final Report,National Right to Fuel and Centre forSustainable Energy, March 2002

References / Sources

Our strategy to tackle fuel poverty 18

We are very grateful for the involvementof the following organisations andCouncil Departments in thedevelopment of this affordable warmthstrategy and look forward to continuingthis partnership to implement the actionplan:

Steering group membership 2002

Luton Borough Council

• Chief Executive Department

• Housing and Social Services Department

Luton PCT

Luton Citizens Advice Bureau

TXU Warm Front

Working Luton

Referral Scheme Working GroupMembership 2002

Luton Borough Council

• Social Inclusion

• Older People’s Services

TXU Warm Front

Luton Citizens Advice Bureau

Working Luton

Luton PCT

Luton Against Poverty Forum

Strategy Development Workshops1998

Luton Borough Council

• Department of the Chief Executive -

Community and Youth Development

Division

Equalities Unit

• Department of Environmental Services

• Department of Housing Services

• Department of Leisure and Cultural

Services

• Department of Social Services

Bedfordshire Health

Citizens Advice Bureau

Community Health Care Trust

Community Health Council

Disability Resource Centre

Luton and Peshawar Initiative forSustainability (LAPIS)

NEA

Presentation Housing Association

Renewable Energy Advice Centre

Tenants and Residents Associations

All of the partners involved would like toexpress their appreciation to Transco forits support in the development of thisstrategy.

Acknowledgements