WRCC attends West Midlands Fuel Poverty Forum
On 7th May 2025, our Warm Hub Project Co-ordinators Mary Lee and Anne White attended the West Midlands Fuel Poverty Forum at Coventry Central Hall, hosted by National Energy Action (NEA). The forum brought together policymakers, energy experts, and third sector organisations to discuss practical solutions for tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency.
By attending the forum, we gained a deeper understanding of the challenges surrounding fuel poverty and we explored initiatives aimed at addressing these issues. We took part in thought-provoking discussions regarding Fuel policy, this helped gather local, on the ground information as to how people are coping with Fuel difficulties.
We heard from several organisations on the day covering some of the below topics:
- The latest policy developments affecting fuel poverty and energy efficiency.
- Innovative solutions to make energy more affordable for vulnerable households. Companies collaborating with Social Landlords.
- Community-led approaches supporting those impacted by rising energy costs.
Visit NEA weblink to gain further details on these presentations https://www.nea.org.uk/fuel-poverty-forums/
The forum reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts between government, businesses, and communities to create sustainable change.
How we will use the learning from the forum to benefit Warm Hubs
- Raising awareness: Many vulnerable households are unaware of the financial and energy-saving support available. Warm Hubs can serve as information hubs, helping residents access energy efficiency programmes and financial assistance.
- Advocating for stronger policies: The forum covered the need for local advocacy to push for better policies that protect low-income households.
- Practical energy-saving solutions: The forum highlighted cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption.
- Community engagement: The forum reinforced the importance of social support networks. Warm Hubs provide safe, welcoming spaces, and incorporate fuel poverty awareness with the help of our funders Cadent.
Networking with energy professionals and community leaders provided valuable opportunities to gain experience and look at future opportunities for WRCC to collaborate with them.
One particular partner in attendance; LEAP, could be of interest to communities across Warwickshire. They offer energy efficiency practical solutions by visiting the householder at home and fitting energy saving measures such as draft excluders, energy bulbs and radiator reflectors. The scheme also can assist people with replacement of White goods, onward referrals for advice around bills and have a boiler scheme. Click the link to take you directly to their website for full details of how to apply.