Thousands of our residents have received support from members of Barnsley's Affordable Warmth Charter, an annual report has revealed.

Launched in December 2022, the charter brings partners across the borough together to share knowledge, skills and resources to tackle health differences caused by fuel poverty.

Organisations sign up to the charter by completing a quick and easy online form, pledging against one or more of the five key priorities: energy efficient homes; affordable energy; employment, education and skills; partnership working; low-carbon commitments.

The next meeting of charter members will be on Thursday 12 September 2024, so other organisations are encouraged to sign up now and secure their spot.

And their work has helped residents with a variety of issues and provided a variety of solutions.

Our Warm Homes team provided 114 Affordable Warmth Grants or first time and replacement boilers to those in the private sector as well as having a presence at drop-in events around the borough to provide in-person advice and refer people to partners for further support.

Age UK Barnsley secured £105,873.60 in benefit gains for 140 clients after completing home energy checks, and DIAL’s activity included distributing 138 free duvets, advising 685 residents over the phone and providing 526 small measures at 193 households to improve the health and wellbeing of the occupants. 

Meanwhile, Citizens Advice Barnsley have provided advice on over 8,000 benefits issues, 5,000 debt issues and close to 900 issues relating to charitable support and food banks, distributed over £19,000 of shopping vouchers, issued 119 food vouchers and 182 fuel vouchers by December 2023.

The fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, who are members of the charter, are bringing their Yorkshire and Humber Fuel Poverty Forum to Barnsley this month as a result of the positive action taken in the borough to tackle the issue.

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: "We want a Barnsley where everyone lives in a warm, healthy, energy efficient home, so the work of those signed up to the Affordable Warmth Charter is crucial in tackling fuel poverty and helping our residents to stay warm and well.

"The results of the annual report show a deep commitment from our members to supporting our residents, particularly through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

"We'll continue to work with them to address the causes of cold homes and support our residents to live in homes that protect their health and wellbeing for years to come.

"I encourage organisations within Barnsley to sign up to the Affordable Warmth Charter and help make a real difference to the lives of local people.”

Molly Chambers of National Energy Action added: “National Energy Action is proud to work alongside Barnsley on their Affordable Warmth Charter.

“They are championing a local-led strategy to help combat fuel poverty and are a vital partner - sharing information and best practice.

“By creating a regional network of professionals and organisations, together we can ensure everyone lives in a warm, safe and healthy home.”

For more information about the Affordable Warmth Charter, go to barnsley.gov.uk/affordablewarmthcharter.