1. Improving the use of energy
in buildings
Better Housing, Better Health SECAN Forum – 24th February Alex Steeland 1

2. Outline Aims and objectives Approach Progress to date
Opportunities and barriers
Learning so far

3. Aims and objectives Improving health and wellbeing
Maintaining independence
Preventing mental and physical ill health

4. Aims and objectives

5. Aims and objectives

6. Aims and objectives

7. Approach £412,500 funding from the British Gas Energy Trust:
2 Citizens Advice caseworkers – measurable outcomes for 500 residents
£200,000 for energy efficiency measures
Free surveys of properties
Training 150 frontline health and social care staff
Outreach events to engage 2,000 residents

8. Who is it for?
Residents in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire (excluding Milton Keynes)
Respiratory illness or cardiovascular disease
Homeowners are eligible for the grant; homeowners and private tenants are eligible for a free survey; anyone with a respiratory illness or cardiovascular disease is eligible for support from Citizens Advice

9. How does it work?
Referrals from a health or social care professional with access to verified health information
BHBH referral form – downloadable from

10. What happens next? Benefits checks / switching / fuel debt mediation
Signed referral form
sent to NEF
NEF contacts
householder
Home visit from a local authority officer
NEF agrees measures with householder
NEF arranges
installation
Installation—grant paid direct to installer
Benefits checks / switching / fuel debt mediation

11. Progress to date 46 referrals received 78% referrals from GPs
29 home surveys completed
74 referrals to Citizens Advice
5 training sessions delivered

12. Opportunities and barriers
Buckinghamshire health links
Capacity in some local authorities
Existing Affordable Warmth Network
Range of partners
Oxfordshire health links
Wycombe Healthy Homes on Prescription

13. Learning so far Referrals can require changing mindsets
What measures should be eligible
NHS processes and requirements
People referred are high users of health services
Average grants likely to exceed £1,000

14. Next steps Project runs until December 2016
Seeking funding to continue the scheme post-2016 and potential to expand to other areas

15. Questions?

16. Better Housing, Better Health Project Manager
Thank you
Alex Steeland
Better Housing, Better Health Project Manager DD