Calling Bucks pensioners – can we help reduce your energy bills?
Buckinghamshire Council has extended the eligibility criteria of one of its key programmes to help lower heating bills, following the government’s decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment from the majority of Buckinghamshire pensioners.
The council’s ‘Energy Doctor’ scheme involves a home visit from one of their Energy Doctors to assess ‘easy interventions’ to lower energy bills, funded by the council, such as fitting LED light bulbs and draught proofing.
Now the council has extended the scheme to include all residents of State Pension age whose homes have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated D-G.
It’s part of a range of help the council wants local pensioners to access if losing their Winter Fuel Payment leaves them struggling to meet heating costs. The Winter Fuel Payment will only be made this year to pensioners receiving Pension Credit or another related benefit. It means some 95,000 pensioners in Buckinghamshire will no longer receive this payment so Buckinghamshire Council is working hard to remind those residents about what other support is available.
The council’s Energy Doctors have visited more than 800 Buckinghamshire homes in the last 18 months, and the energy saving measures they have put into those homes are saving each household on average an estimated £129 on annual energy bills.
The Energy Doctors use low-cost ‘retrofit’ measures to reduce energy costs, such as:
- draught proofing
- installing LED lightbulbs
- installing secondary glazing
- providing heated throws
- installing aerated shower heads and shower timers
Thomas Broom is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment. He said:
“As a council we have made clear our extremely strong objections to the government removing this critical support for pensioners and have written directly to the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to ask that this policy is reversed. We are also doing all we can to support our local pensioners as we move into the colder months and expanding our Energy Doctor scheme is one way we can help.
“Please find out from our team if you’re eligible for a visit as our Energy Doctor could make a real difference in helping to make heating the home more affordable. I also urge family and friends of local pensioners to make sure they’re aware of our Energy Doctor scheme which has already helped so many local households – please spread the word!”
Bucks History Festival returns to celebrate our history and heritage
Buckinghamshire History Festival returns next month for its ninth annual celebration of the county’s history and cultural heritage.
The festival, organised by Buckinghamshire Archives, sees the Archives team come together with partner organisations from across the county to present a huge range of events to see and do throughout November. Buckinghamshire’s past will be brought to life and the untold stories of its people and places will be uncovered.
Council welcomes new £2.4m funding boost to support struggling households
Buckinghamshire Council has welcomed the news that it will continue to receive Government funding until March 2025 to help support households and residents in Buckinghamshire who are struggling with cost of living pressures.
The funding has been allocated through the Government’s Household Support Fund and enables local authorities to use the money to directly support low-income households and those experiencing financial hardship with energy costs, food costs, and other household essentials.
The Household Support Fund is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions and has been used in Buckinghamshire to support residents via the Council’s Helping Hand service, which processes applications for financial help. The money has also been used to support local organisations including charities and other schemes to target priority groups who are struggling the most.
Please check if you or someone you know is eligible by going to: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility
Start your journey to adoption this National Adoption Week
If you are interested in adoption, now could be the perfect time to start your adoption journey. National Adoption Week runs until Sunday 27 October. During the week, Buckinghamshire Council’s adoption team will be sharing stories and information on adoption and encouraging those who may be thinking about it to get in touch.
The theme of this year’s national awareness week is ‘The Journey’ and highlights that the journey to a family is not always traditional. Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education explained: “As we know, families today come in all shapes and sizes. They include single parents, blended and extended families. Adoptive families are part of this same modern mix.”
National figures show that the number of people coming forward to adopt is falling. The latest data shows there has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of children ready for adoption but not yet matched with an adoptive family in England in 2023-4, compared to the previous year. With fewer potential adopters coming forward, believed to largely be a result of the cost-of-living crisis, this means that nearly half (47 per cent) of all children face delays of over 18 months to move in with an adoptive family.
Skills Bootcamps – unleash your potential!
Buckinghamshire Council is offering a fantastic and free opportunity to all residents who are interested in learning a new skill – which could pave the way to a new job, a promotion or a career change.
Funded by the government’s Department for Education, the council’s Skills Bootcamps are flexible training courses for adults aged 19 or over, leading to either an interview or employment at the end. Designed with employers, specifically for in-demand jobs in Buckinghamshire, these Bootcamps involve 60 to 100 hours of free learning on a flexible basis, so participants can study around any existing work commitments they already have.
There is also a really diverse range of courses on offer, from creative industries in TV and film production, to construction, to leadership and management courses. There are 19 Bootcamps to choose from and anyone over the age of 19 is eligible so long as they meet eligibility requirements such as having the right to work in the UK and live in England.
The courses launched earlier this year and are fully up and running; participants can register an interest and enrol at any time that the course is running.
For more information and to enrol, go to www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/skills-bootcamps
Welcoming Spaces in Bucks: Stay warm, stay connected, stay supported
As the winter months approach, Buckinghamshire Council is announcing its Welcoming Spaces offer – warm, free, safe, and supportive environments available to all residents. These spaces are designed to provide a safe space where individuals can stay warm, save on heating costs, and access a range of beneficial services.
Welcoming Spaces offer:
- Warmth and comfort: Escape the cold and enjoy a cosy atmosphere.
- Cost savings: Reduce your heating bills by spending time in a heated space.
- Health and wellbeing: Look after your physical and mental health with a supportive environment.
- Support and advice: Access valuable support and advice on a variety of topics.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi to stay connected with loved ones and access online resources.
You can also find out more, by visiting: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/welcoming-spaces or calling 0300 131 6000 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 5:30pm, Friday 9am to 5pm.) Councillor Derek Town