Responding to the Government’s announcement of a package of
support for energy bills, Cllr Andrew Western, Chair of the Local
Government Association’s Resources Board, said:
“This plan will go some way to alleviating the pressures on
households and businesses caused by rising costs of energy and
other essentials.
“Councils are taking practical steps to support those in their
communities this winter, to address immediate hardship and
improve people’s financial resilience and wellbeing, including
through their use of the Household Support Fund. Ensuring
financial support is targeted towards those most in need will
continue to be crucial over the next few months, including for
those on the lowest incomes.
“Longer-term, we need to ensure everyone can afford to heat their
homes and prevent the risk of people developing health problems
due to cold and damp conditions. The mainstream welfare system
should ensure people have sufficient means to meet true living
costs and councils and local partners need adequate resources to
provide targeted and effective crisis support, alongside services
which increase opportunity and lift people out of poverty for
good.
“Accelerating the transition to renewable energy, retrofitting
homes and buildings, and promoting comprehensive energy advice
will all be essential to sustainably keeping energy costs down.
Councils are uniquely able to help lead this local effort and are
ready to work with government to deliver."
