Northgate-is - News Item 971

Empowering local authorities key to tackling fuel poverty

More power and resources should be handed to local authorities in order to combat climate change and reduce fuel poverty in our local communities asserts Northgate Public Services today.

Responding to the Welsh Assembly Government’s consultation on fuel poverty strategy, Northgate argues that the issue of climate change is so severe that a statutory role for local authorities in addressing energy efficiency is now essential. The organisation points out that local authorities are well placed to take into account specific issues of social equity and economic deprivation which are essential to combating fuel poverty at a local level. Northgate also calls upon the Assembly Government, the UK Government and local authorities to work together to encourage the take-up of energy advice and benefits to those affected by fuel poverty.

In their response, Northgate also outline a number of other recommendations, including:

• that services, such as health and education, should work together in order to provide a holistic approach to combating fuel poverty;
• that any reporting system take into account variables in order to ensure progress can be accurately measured; 
• that information is readily available to citizens, and provided where necessary by frontline workers.

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Citizen Solutions for Northgate Public Services, said today: “We welcome the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to eradicating fuel poverty in Wales. Given the economic climate, fuel poverty is an issue which is affecting more and more people. But the severity of the issue means that now is the time to take drastic action. By giving local authorities more powers to promote energy efficiency, communities will benefit from localised, specialised advice that meets their needs. Local authorities are better placed to co-ordinate collaborative action from a range of services that seeks to help those most at risk from fuel poverty.”

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For more information

Fellows’ Associates
Kathy Sutton    020 7324 6221; 07966 890401
Konstantinos Makrygiannis  020 7324 6222; 07949 421356
 
Notes to editors
1. Northgate Public Services is a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets. Its task is to enhance public value through the intelligent use of people and technology, and to share in the economic and social benefits that this brings. In the UK, Northgate works with 95% of local authorities, every police force and a half of all fire brigades and ambulance trusts. It supports public service transformation through sustainable performance partnerships. Founded in 1969, the company has nearly 8,000 employees.