Labour-run Norwich City Council’s cabinet today endorsed the Sustainable Warmth Strategy and Action Plan 2022-25. This outlines the council’s approach to tackling fuel poverty, while also cutting carbon emissions: meeting our commitment to tackling the cost of living and climate crises hand in hand.
The Strategy, and accompanying Action Plan, sets out plans to continue retrofitting both council and private homes, ensure the most vulnerable receive targeted support, support the local economy to increase household income and promote the council’s affordable, renewable energy projects (such as Roar Power: the council’s own white label renewable energy company).
It also introduces the council’s new Sustainable Warmth Policy statement: “To ultimately eradicate fuel poverty in Norwich within the timescale of the 2040 City Vision, and in the immediate term support vulnerable groups to manage and reduce the impacts of fuel poverty.” This is an ambitious goal, but with the right local approach and national support is achievable.
Cllr Emma Hampton, cabinet member with responsibility for climate change and fuel poverty, says:
“Too many people in Norwich are unable to heat their homes affordably and sustainably. Our Sustainable Warmth Strategy sets out how we will tackle the blight of fuel poverty in the city, protect residents as the cost of living continues to rise and cut carbon emissions from heating.
Ultimately, two of the most important solutions to fuel poverty are going to be increasing household income and improving the energy efficiency of homes so people pay less for their bills. This requires joined up working throughout the council and in partnership across and beyond the city.
The scale of the cost of living and climate challenges means we also need the government to properly fund councils to go further and faster – with this looking unlikely currently, it makes it even more important that we offer as much support and protection to local residents and communities as we can. It means showing leadership, and continuing to be bold and ambitious.”
The Sustainable Warmth Strategy can be read online: bit.ly/3s6A49x