Many people in Northern Ireland struggle with low incomes and high energy bills, pushing them into fuel poverty. Energy inefficiency is one of three main contributers to fuel poverty, and is the one which society has the most control over.

Training objectives

This training aims to provide local government officials with an overview of the current fuel poverty and domestic energy efficiency policy landscape as well as practical steps to reduce fuel poverty at a local level. The course will examine:

• Fuel poverty: the facts

• Policy overview

• Links between fuel poverty and health

• Vulnerable groups and identifying the signs of fuel poverty

• Latest research findings

• Practical solutions: no and low cost meausres, energy efficiency, grant schemes and referral mechanisms

• Case Study: Warmer Ways to Better Health

The training is an excellent opportunity to refresh your knowledge and understanding of the fuel poverty policy landscape and its relevance at council and community level. You will find out the latest statistics on fuel poverty and domestic energy efficiency in Northern Ireland, be able to ask questions and debunk myths that exist around fuel poverty, and hear about the various energy efficiency support schemes and grants currently available in Northern Ireland.

Faciliator

The session will be faciliated by Lucy Cochrane from National Energy Action NI, an independent charity that is seeking to end fuel poverty at a national level through policy, research and campaigning functions. Lucy will be joined by Leah Glass from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council who will provide an overview of the Warmer Ways to Better Health scheme.

Who should attend?

The training is open to officers and elected members within local government and is free of charge to attend. It will be particularly relevant for teams that deal directly with householders, as well as those involved in community development, health and wellbeing, environmental health, domestic energy or waste advice, planning and building control.