Suffolk County Council have provided the following advice:

Winter weather can create serious financial and physical challenges, especially for the elderly, disabled people and families with young children struggling to keep warm in their homes. Last year, there were more than 350 excess winter deaths in Suffolk, believed to be connected with the cold weather.

Free help and advice is at hand.

Suffolk's Warm Homes Healthy People scheme offers support to those most in need.
The scheme can help home owners or tenants who privately rent and are on a low income or in receipt of a means tested benefit. The scheme also takes into account age, disability and cold related health conditions.

If you're struggling to keep warm or are worried about the cost of heating your home, you could get help with:

·Emergency boiler and heating repair costs

·Winter fuel payments

·Free home energy survey with advice on insulation, fuel switching and cheaper oil prices

·Basic draught proofing

·Temporary loan of heaters

People with vulnerable relatives or neighbours are also urged to help them find out more about the support available.

Eligibility criteria apply.For more information, call Warm Homes Healthy People helpline on 08456 037 686 (Local rate, lines open Monday-Friday, 9 - 5pm).

Warm Home Discount Scheme

Did you know that electricity suppliers can award eligible customers with a £135 Warm Home Discount? Receiving this discount won’t affect your cold weather or winter fuel payment. To find out more, contact your energy supplier direct.

Please keep warm this winter.​

Story By: Town Clerk

Date : 08-01-2014