Could you be a foot soldier in the fight against fuel poverty?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is urging plumbers and heating engineers to help fight against fuel poverty in UK homes, by making recommendations on tackling cold environments or poor ventilation.   With some 2.3 million households in England living in fuel poverty*, NICE is asking that non-health and social care workers, such as heating engineers, make a judgement about homeowners heating needs and, if needed, refer those at risk for help.   NICE has also proposed a specialist training qualification is developed to help installers identify those at real risk of health issues from living in a cold home, with accreditation being given for this.   A spokesperson from the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), said: “installers, plumbers and tradesmen are visiting UK homes throughout the year whether they are servicing central heating systems, fitting new boilers or simply mending a leaky tap. This trusted band of workmen should become the foot soldiers in the fight against fuel poverty and we are pleased that NICE recognise the role they could play.   “Eight million home visits are made by our members, they see and understand the impact of fuel poverty and what living in a cold home can do and as a result they are extremely well-placed to help make a change.”   We are backing this campaign fully in a bid to raise awareness of those in need of help and assistance. Many people have to suffer the cold winter months with little or no means of heating, which causes ill health and unnecessary deaths each year.   Do your bit to help vulnerable customers at risk! Help support the initiative by keeping a close eye on those properties you think could be in need of serious updating and improvements, and where possible, advise and educate homeowners on the best, safest means of keeping themselves safe and warm.   Do you come across customers you feel worried about? What do you think could be done to help the most vulnerable?  Tweet us you thoughts on the subject - @Logic4training *https://www.policyexchange.org.uk/publications/category/item/warmer-homes-improving-fuel-poverty-and-energy-efficiency-policy-in-the-uk