Council’s private sector housing team shortlisted for two prestigious awards
Shropshire Council’s private sector housing team has been announced as a finalist in two categories in the prestigious Local Government Chronicle Awards 2016.
The team was shortlisted from over 120 entries from councils across the country, and it will now strive for a winning place in the award categories of Health and Social Care, and Housing Initiative, with its Shropshire HeatSavers scheme. The winners will be announced on 16 March 2016.
Shropshire HeatSavers was formed in 2011 by Shropshire Council. It involves the Shropshire Council’s private sector housing team, adult services team, and public health team; Age UK; and Marches Energy Agency, working in partnership to provide assistance to vulnerable and fuel-poor households.
The scheme receives referrals via a central hub email address from a range of trained frontline workers, and addresses the health impacts of cold homes through energy efficiency measures, advice via a dedicated phone line and provision of effective heating via Emergency Heating Grants.
Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services, said:
“We are delighted to be a finalist in these nationally-respected awards. Our partnership approach between the council, private sector and voluntary sector agencies is delivering outstanding results.
“The innovative scheme effectively tackles the issue of fuel poverty within Shropshire, improving the health and well-being of vulnerable residents which, in turn, helps them to maintain their independence for longer.
“It was designed with the sole aim of saving lives and preventing individuals becoming isolated. However, it has the added benefit of reducing the burden on public health, adult services, housing and NHS services, which is particularly important in these financially challenging times.
“It’s extremely encouraging that the LGC Awards have recognised this. I wish the team the best of luck.”
For further information on staying safe and well this winter, please visit http://shropshire.gov.uk/stay-safe-and-well-this-winter/.
Further information
In Shropshire, 19,572 or 21.2% of households are fuel poor, 6% higher than the national average, ranking the county 13th highest out of 353 councils in England.
As a large rural county, Shropshire is faced with a number of challenges relating to fuel poverty; possessing an older housing stock and a high number of properties off the mains gas supply. Poorly heated homes are known to cause increased mortality and poor health in the elderly; exacerbation of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, respiratory diseases, and mental health; and indirectly impact quality of life through lack of income for adequate food, clothing and other basic provisions.
Shropshire has one of the largest proportions of elderly residents (age 65+) in the country, with numbers in this age group projected to increase 63% by 2030. Excess Winter Deaths in the county stand at 2.5 times the national average, with over 2,000 excess winter deaths since 2000.
