Alan Higgins, Director of Public Health Oldham Council

Lessons learnt from Joint Investment

Overview

• Oldham Context

• The Warm Homes Offer

• Year 1 Outcomes

• Lessons Learnt

The Oldham Context

• 14,000 Oldham homes are in fuel poverty (16%) using the 10% definition (Source: DECC, 2011)

• 11% of all Early Winter Deaths (EWDs) in Oldham can be attributed to cold homes

• For every EWD, it is estimated that there are on average 8 hospital admissions for related illnesses like respiratory conditions and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

• It is estimated that there may be 6000 Oldham residents who suffer from mental health problems attributed to or exacerbated by living in fuel poor homes.

• 10%-11% of falls and injuries in Oldham may be attributed to fuel poor housing

5

What Warm Homes Oldham offers What is included in the service?

• Insulation• Heating Improvements• Smart Meters

Property Improvements

• Behavioural Advice• Tariff Switching• Meter Advice: Pre-pay & incorrect meter readings

Energy Advice

• Warm Homes Discount eligibility• Benefits Checks• Emergency Credit, Debt Issues, Trust Fund Applications

Income Maximisation

• Temporary Heating• Priority Services Register• Referrals to Other Preventative Services

Other Support

Outcomes from Year 1

- 1074 people brought out of fuel poverty (against target of 1000)

- Over £1.2 million ECO funding brought in through the scheme

- £45,700 extra benefits secured through CAB benefits checks

- £30,446 worth of trust fund grants secured for homes who are not on benefits with poor heating systems