Following on from the highly successful COVID-19 Winter Grant Scheme, Wirral Council received an additional grant of £288,145 from Department for Work and Pensions, to provide support to vulnerable residents adversely affected by the pandemic, to cover the period from April through to the expected cessation of COVID restrictions, on the 20th of June.
Energy Projects Plus is delivering the following two aspects of the overall grant programme:
Financial support with energy (fuel) and water bills debt
The COVID Winter Grant Scheme funded the reduction/clearance of £129,609 of utility debts from individuals engaged with Citizens Advice Wirral and Energy Projects Plus. In many cases this has enabled households to now switch energy suppliers and move to more affordable fuel tariffs; enabling them to use heating over the winter months that was often severely rationed due to financial pressures. The positive impact of this project on physical and mental health has been demonstrable. Debt amounts over £500, the cap for which was removed shortly after commencement of the project, will continue to be authorised for clearance by the Assistant Director for Neighbourhoods, Safety and Transport.
Crisis support with emergency call-outs and boiler replacements
Following the sudden cessation of another key external funding stream that paid for replacement boilers for households in financial hardship, this project funded by the COVID Winter Grant Scheme was extended to include not just emergency repairs but also emergency boiler replacements in specific circumstances. Whilst further funding is in the process of being identified, a further allocation of funding through the Grant will enable this vital work by Energy Projects Plus to continue in the interim.
If you are working with a client who requires assistance with either of the issues noted above, use our referral form to send their details to us, and one of our energy advisors will make contact as soon as possible, to assess eligibility and help wherever appropriate.
If you are a Wirral resident in need of assistance, you can request a callback by completing our contact us form.
To find out more about our Wirral COVID-19 Local Support Grant project, please call our Save Energy Advice Line free on 0800 043 0151, or email advice@epplus.org.