Citizens Advice Ashfield has secured two years funding from the Energy Redress Scheme, run by the Energy Saving Trust, to help vulnerable people in Ashfield become more fuel efficient and avoid fuel poverty.

Working with Ashfield District Council, Citizens Advice will be offering vulnerable residents a full home energy assessment, including home visits and help with applying for energy saving grants and switching to the best deals in the market.

Citizens Advice will be employing an energy efficiency officer, who will be arranging individual appointments for clients and promoting the service around the district with other charities and service providers.

Starting in March, the project will be going under the banner of Ashfield Energy Efficiency and will have its own website and dedicated service and appointments at its Kirkby offices.

Kathryn Stacey, chief executive at Citizens Advice Ashfield, said: “We are delighted to have secured the funding to deliver this project; we often see many clients through our debt service who would benefit from an energy assessment, yet have never had the ability to deliver this.

“Working with the council’s housing teams in identifying and accessing some of the most vulnerable clients in the private rented sector will be a key focus of the project. We will also be providing home visits to those residents who suffer from mobility and isolation problems, particularly in rural areas.”

Coun Tom Hollis, portfolio holder for housing at Ashfield District Council, added: “Ashfield District Council is pleased to be able to support this project by Citizens Advice Ashfield to address the high levels of fuel poverty in the District. Tackling fuel poverty is a key priority for ADC and this initiative will make a real difference to our residents’ lives.

“This funding will allow work to continue through agreeing referral protocols. It will enable the Council to refer residents who are currently being supported by our Affordable Warmth Team and Housing Officers, to the new Energy Efficiency Officer.”