Wakefield district residents have access to new energy advice scheme that could save money on bills

Hundreds of households in the Wakefield district can now benefit from a national service that provides vital energy advice and energy saving measures, known as the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP).

LEAP in Wakefield launches on November 27 to mark National Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, and is brought to you by the Council and WDH, who are working in partnership with Groundwork Green Doctors and AgilityEco.

LEAP provides an additional new service that complements and adds value to the Council’s and WDH’s existing home energy advice services, enabling more low income and vulnerable people to be warmer and healthier in their homes.

As part of the LEAP service, a qualified Home Energy Advisor (HEA) will be on hand to contact qualifying residents over the phone. The HEA will be able to assess and advise on energy saving, heating and affordable warmth. LEAP will also provide free, simple energy saving measures including draught-proofing, low-energy LED lightbulbs, radiator panels and shower savers, which can save households around £30 a year on their energy bills.

An energy tariff checking service is included and help provided to switch to a cheaper deal. On average, a household can save over £200 a year by switching their heating and electricity supply to the cheapest tariff.

The LEAP HEA can also organise for follow-up telephone support with money and debt advice, as well as checking for insulation and other heating measures. LEAP can arrange and refer to other grants and schemes to install these measures for free or at a discount where appropriate.

Coun Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration, said: “We know that this is a really difficult time for our residents, especially as we enter the winter months, and this extra support will be vital for many families.

“Everyone deserves to have a warm, secure home and the LEAP will help our residents save energy and money. I’d encourage anyone who thinks they may qualify to get in touch.”

Gearoid Lane, CEO of AgilityEco, who is managing the service said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Groundwork to launch the LEAP service here in the Wakefield district. In the many council areas across Britain where LEAP is already operating, residents have been very positive about the help and support they have received.”

Simon Kilshaw, from Groundwork Green Doctors who deliver the scheme said: “It’s necessary and great that Wakefield residents are receiving this free energy/money advice service during these difficult times and when so many people face hardship during the winter months. With 12 years' experience of delivering energy support across Yorkshire, we know that we can make a real difference.”

The LEAP service is being promoted by direct referrals from local partners in the public and voluntary sectors. All visits will be by appointment only and advisors will carry photo ID.

The LEAP service is available to those on low income, benefits or with certain physical and mental health problems. Full eligibility criteria are set out at https://www.applyforleap.org.uk/eligibility/.

The service is open to those living in owner-occupied, private rented sector or social housing who meet the eligibility criteria.

To find out more about the LEAP service, please visit: www.applyforleap.org.uk or call 0800 060 7567.