Jon Cruddas MP supports tackling fuel poverty in Dagenham

timestamp
Jon Cruddas MP supports tackling fuel poverty in Dagenham

On Friday 10th Jon Cruddas MP visited Ibscott Close in Dagenham to see the progress of the insulation works being carried out, and to speak with residents. Jon was joined by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Dominic Twomey and local Village Ward councillors Margaret Mullane, and Phil Waker.

The properties on Ibscott Close are currently receiving cavity insulation as a result of the Warm Homes campaign being run by national fuel poverty charity, National Energy Action (NEA).

The scheme to extract failed cavity wall insulation and refill with new energy efficient insulation will make homes warmer and healthier, and help residents save money on their energy bills. It is funded by the council and delivered by Essex based insulation contractor, ARP Energy Services.

The national Warm Homes campaign aims to raise awareness of the problem of poorly insulated homes and highlight some of the solutions available for those struggling to heat their homes affordably.

Jon Cruddas commented: "The council have undertaken vital work to help my constituents keep warm in their homes and save money. I am delighted to support the NEA's Warm Homes Campaign and hear first-hand from residents. I receive lots of casework all across Dagenham from people living in relatively old housing stock suffering from damp and mould. This new insulation should go some way to relieving residents of this problem, and will also help keep some of the boroughs most vulnerable warmer in the winter months."

Maria Wardrobe, Director of Communications and External Relations at NEA said: "Fuel poverty is a serious and growing concern, with around 11% of homes in Barking and Dagenham unable to afford to heat their homes. Through the Warm Homes Campaign we hope to improve the life chances of residents who are struggling with their fuel bills and ensure they can stay warm and healthy in their homes this winter."

Ibscott Close resident Rita Giles MBE, who is the Chair of the Ibscott Close & Wyhill Walk Residents Association, had her home re-insulated in December and has already felt the difference.

She has been instrumental in working with ARP Energy Services to ensure residents have been fully aware of the work taking place and commented: "already I have noticed I can walk around my home and feel warm as there are no cold spots now and I hope to save money on my energy bills. The men on site have been very good and respectful to the residents here. We are pleased the council have funded the new insulation as many homes have suffered with cold and damp."