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Council Supports National Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

Council Supports National Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is supporting a national day to raise awareness of the plight of residents struggling to heat their homes affordably. National Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, organised by the charity National Energy Action (NEA), is being held this year on Friday 28 March.

Recent price increases in energy have added to the pressure on household budgets. This means some families have to make drastic decisions about whether they put the heating on or save the money for other essentials such as food or clothing. Some households do not have suitable reliable heating systems in their homes, meaning they struggle to keep warm.

During the winter months in Yorkshire and Humber region up to 27 people a day die as a result of being too cold in their own home. Cold related living conditions significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as lowering the resistance to respiratory infections. A cold home affects mobility, increasing the risk of falls in the elderly and worsens the symptoms of arthritis. It also has an impact on mental health and has links with depression.

Councillor Symon Fraser, East Riding of Yorkshire Council portfolio holder for environment, housing amd planning, said ""I would urge East Riding of Yorkshire residents to be aware of the dangers of fuel poverty and to do what they do best, which is look out for friends, neighbours and vulnerable people who may be at risk and encourage them to seek the help that is out there"

Maria Wardrobe, Director of External Affairs at NEA said: "Our charity knows all too well the horrifying reality of the current ‘heat or eat' debate and we welcome the support of East Riding of Yorkshire Council to help tackle this.''

If you or someone that you know is struggling to keep warm go to www.eastriding.gov.uk and search for ‘energy efficiency' or call East Riding of Yorkshire Council's private sector housing team on 01482 396301 and select Option 2 when prompted.

The council also runs YORswitch, a collective switching scheme which makes switching energy supplier simple and hassle free. For more information visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/yorswitch or call Emily Croft on 01482 395335

For more information on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day visit www.nea.org.uk

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