Wardens join the fight against fuel poverty

Well prepared for a warm winter - Mr and Mrs Robinson visited by Bowlee Park Housing’s community wardens Michael Lepke and Lauren Bell

Bowlee Park Housing wardens fought rising fuel costs and falling temperatures last week as they advised older people in Langley how to keep warm on a budget.

The wardens visited tenants and residents to advise them of low-cost ways to keep warm and make sure they were getting the right amount of benefits and grants. They also gave out thermometers to make it easier to measure the temperature in their homes.

Colin Whiteley, Bowlee Park Housing community warden, explained: “We already visit tenants and residents on a regular basis, but with the cold weather coming we wanted to check that people were prepared. There are some very easy ways to keep warm without spending lots of money, which is even more important this winter.”

A new survey from The British Gas / Help the Aged partnership revealed that one in four older people seek refuge under their blankets in bed to stay warm compared to one in seven last year. And half of all respondents to the survey, nearly 6.5 million people, say they will be forced to turn down their heating if they cannot meet the cost of their fuel bills.
Colin added: “If anyone would benefit from a welfare visit, please call us.”

Director Jane Keegan recently called on local MPs to back a national campaign to stop energy firms ripping off their poorest customers who use pre-payment meters.

The wardens also visit residents to improve the security of their homes and to let them know about agencies or individuals who can help with many different issues.

If you, or anyone you know, would like a visit from the wardens, call 0845 330 4071.