Housing provider's scheme saves tenants half a million pounds
- 14 Jan
One housing provider' scheme aimed at helping people in fuel poverty and facing financial difficulties has saved its tenants almost half a million pounds in debt in just over a year.
Liverpool Mutual Homes has partnered with Local Solutions, a social enterprise organisation, to promote a fuel debt, energy efficiency and money advice service to support residents.
Tenants have saved a combined total of £454,356 in 13 months with the majority coming from officers helping residents apply for grants, reports 24dash.
In the first twelve months over 780 people were helped by two fuel debt and money advice officers who were appointed to work as part of LMH's income team to visit tenants in their homes.
The British Gas Trust Fund and the Unite Utilities Trust saw a £175,595 return with an average save of £914 per tenant based on 192 applications. The projected figures from recent grant applications show a further £185,000 of fuel debt will be wiped from accounts.
Further savings were made from helping 320 tenants apply to the government's warm home discount, which gives them a £135 rebate on their winter fuel bill which totals £43,840. Energy efficiency advice returned a saving of £43,421, of which £2,492 came from simply switching suppliers.
As well as this tenants were also directed to assisted payment schemes for white goods, carpets, flooring and furniture, which avoids the need to use companies that have high interest rates. This has generates savings of over £6,500 to date.
Angela Forshaw, LMS's director of housing and customer services, said: "The main aim of the service is to change people's attitudes towards fuel usage, money, budgeting and managing bills. We are making good progress and now people are seeing significant savings and extra money in their pockets, we hope more will come forward and seek help especially in the New Year after the expense of Christmas. We can make a few simple changes for tenants which will make a big difference financially and it's not just about switching energy tariffs - this is just one aspect that we look at."
The chair of Macbeth Residents' Committee, Kate Keany, said: "The scheme has made a huge difference to residents, helping them save money in very easy ways. The advisors simplify financial matters and their expertise means they can assess bills and general outgoings quickly so people start seeing the difference straight away. The energy use tips they provide have been very popular - little pieces of advice that make a big difference to people, especially when money is tight."
What do you think of this? Tweet us your comments @suppsolutions
Image source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1102931
Related articles
- 19 Aug
New supported housing facility to be built in Middlesbrough
The site has been developed by Riverside to provide supported housing, comprising of 20 self-contained flats for social housing and training facilities to support people into employment, reports the...
- 17 Aug
Supported living accommodation plans submitted in Leamington Spa
HB Villages Developments Ltd have made the application which will include a two-storey residential building of 16 self-contained one bedroom supported living apartments, reports The Leamington...
- 14 Aug
Young people in Sheffield given help to live independently
The course is run by Guinness Care and Support at the Sheffield Foyer, which is a 60-room scheme that provides accommodation for young people aged between 16-25 such as care leavers and young...
- 14 Aug
A new supported living scheme has opened in Paignton
Bridgman House has been opened to provide care for up to eight young people in transition from the family home, education or residential care, reports The Torquay Herald.The property is in the town...
- 13 Aug
Homelessness charity opens furniture shop in Nailsworth
Emmaus Gloucestershire has opened a shop in Nailsworth that sells upcycled furniture, allowing customers to have the opportunity to bring old furniture in to be restored or adapted to particular...
- 05 Aug
Restaurant in London helps to tackle youth homelessness
Alone in London, a charity that provides support, training and mediation for young homeless people and young people at risk of homelessness has joined forces with The Breakfast Club to create a...
- 04 Aug
Housing group’s supported housing contract extended
Progress Housing Group provide supported housing and support services for women and children fleeing domestic violence and young people facing homelessness, reports 24dash.Progress Housing manage a...
- 30 Jun
Empty homes fund launched by Scottish Government
The fund is to be used to revamp empty homes and convert derelict commercial spaces into affordable housing, reports Inside Housing. Under the scheme housing associations will be able to apply for...
- 22 Jun
People with vulnerabilities to receive support from new care scheme
People with vulnerabilities and people who are socially isolated in Reading are set to benefit from a new scheme run by GPs and Age UK, reports Get Reading. North West Reading NHS Clinical...
- 18 Jun
New initiative sees young people create food parcels for the homeless
The group of eight young people from Charles England House, a specialist young people’s housing scheme run by Merlin, put together 50 food parcels, reports 24dash.This new project is part of a new...
Exempt Accommodation, Welfare Reform and Vulnerable Tenants Another excellent session from Support Solutions - excellent value for money and excellent training D.A - St Vincent's Housing Association
