A council team has won a national award for its work to help residents save money on their heating and energy bills.
Durham County Council’s warm homes team received the National Heating Project of the Year accolade at the 2022 National Energy Efficiency Awards.
The accolade recognises the achievements of the team’s warm homes campaign.
This supports low income and fuel poor households by providing grants for new boilers and insulation measures to help lower their energy bills and give them a warmer home.
In the last year, a total of 1,364 households were assisted by the team and grants equating to over £2.3m were awarded for energy efficiency measures.
The campaign also works with GP surgeries to assist patients with cold-related illnesses and, over the last 12 months, 11,327 people have received help and support with their energy bills through this scheme.
As part of the campaign, another 694 low-income households were supported by the council’s managing money better service, which helped residents to save over £66,000 in total on energy bills.
Cllr Alan Shield, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for equality and inclusion, said: “I would like to say a big congratulations to the warm homes team for winning this fantastic award.
“Having also been crowned National Energy Champions at the Energy Awards earlier this year, these national accolades demonstrate the team’s hard work and our commitment to supporting residents with their household bills.
“This is particularly important at the moment given the current financial climate and as we head into winter.”
For more information on the warm homes campaign, visit durham.gov.uk/warmhomescampaign.