Warming to the task: Ending fuel poverty NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page two // NEA Annual Review 2004-2005

Getting our message heard

During the last year we have all received unwelcome news from our energy supplier about price increases, some of us more than once. After years of Contents continuing reductions in our fuel bills this is an unfamiliar experience.

Whereas for many it may have been mildly irritating, So too are changes to the scheme which reflect for the poorest households it has much more severe proposals put forward by NEA on many occasions in 02 Chairman’s Foreword consequences. Estimates that a 1% rise in fuel costs recent years, notably the provision of central heating increases the numbers in fuel poverty by some 40,000 to all eligible households, allowing those who have 04 Chief Executive’s Foreword are alarming given the scale of recent increases and previously received assistance to apply for additional 06 Operations the threat of more to come. This has rudely interrupted measures and the increase in the maximum grant. the steady progress towards ensuring that every On occasions no change is equally welcome, hence 08 Communications household can afford to heat and light their homes it is reassuring that our arguments against restricting to the standard required for health and comfort and access to Warm Front grants have also prevailed. 10 Northern Ireland to keep the milk cool and the water hot. It has also shattered any complacency about meeting the target This is further evidence of NEA’s continuing influence 13 Wales of eliminating fuel poverty within little more than on the debate about how best to achieve an objective, 14 Business Development a decade. which now has universal acceptance. I wrote last year about using our experience and expertise and it is 16 Warm Zones Rising fuel prices reinforce the need for homes which particularly rewarding to see such a manifest example are well insulated and adequately and economically of it. I am also pleased to be able to acknowledge the 17 NEA Annual Review heated, something which has been NEA’s core progress that has been made in Wales, where NEA message since its foundation 24 years ago. So it is has begun a programme on behalf of the National 18 NEA Funders List encouraging to be able to identify evidence that it is Assembly to develop affordable warmth strategies 19 Members of the NEA Board both being heard and acted upon. The increase in the with all local authorities. budget for Warm Front in England, even if we have of Trustees & Advisory Group been made to wait a while for it to kick in, is welcome. 20 NEA Staff 2004/05 NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page three //

In Northern Ireland too there has been some progress particularly via Defra, the National Assembly for Wales in developing a strategy, but in a country where the and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. We view level of fuel poverty is much higher than elsewhere in recent increases in the funding it makes available as the UK it is disappointing that the resources to deliver evidence that we continue to be an organisation that it are still lacking. delivers value for money and plays an important part in realising the ambitions of the Government’s action It is commonly acknowledged that the multi-faceted plan on fuel poverty. nature of fuel poverty means that partnerships are essential in any campaign to eradicate it. Accordingly Building up the financial stability of NEA is one of the NEA sets much store by the many alliances it works goals I set last year. I thank my colleagues on NEA’s hard to bring together. The support of our business Board of Trustees, our advisory committees and the partners is essential to the achievement of our NEA staff for the work they have put into setting us objectives and we applaud the commitment shown on the path to achieve this objective. Ensuring that by all the major companies in the energy supply and we operate efficiently and effectively underpins the energy efficiency industries which support our work. achievements I referred to above and our ambitions Not so long ago it would have been unusual for for the future. commercial businesses to accept that they had social responsibilities. Now, their initiative and enterprise in For the forthcoming year it is evident that we must Dr Malcolm Kennedy CBE developing products and services which cater for the renew our efforts to persuade the decision maker Chairman, NEA needs of people on the lowest incomes contributes to and frontline workers in the health professions that real progress in this area. fuel poverty is an issue of concern to them and one where they have a critical role in dispensing a cure. I would like to thank all the companies, agencies Similarly we must address the problem of securing and individuals who have helped us to do the many sufficient resources for it to be permanent, particularly “I would like to thank all things outlined in this annual report. We value the in Northern Ireland. Equally, in the light of growing the companies, agencies and contribution they make to all of our activities, whether concern about the wider environment we must it be research, campaigning, training or projects ensure that our work embraces the sustainability individuals who have helped trialling solutions to practical problems. NEA is agenda, incorporating the potential of new particularly grateful for the continuing financial technologies in our search for solutions to an us to do the many things support we receive from Government, age-old problem. outlined in this annual report.” // page four // NEA Annual Review 2004-2005

No time to delay

The past year has been challenging for all those engaged in pursuit of the Government’s objective of eradicating fuel poverty. Fuel prices continued to increase, pushing hundreds of thousands of low-income households into fuel poverty and, in the process, reversing much of the progress of recent years.

Most commentators believe that we have entered for example investigating the changes in household a period of persistently high energy prices, certainly circumstances which move people in and out of for the immediate future; within which of course lies fuel poverty and examining the part that benefit the timescale for the achievement of the first of the entitlement checks can play in providing a remedy. William Gillis Government’s fuel poverty objectives. The 2010 We have worked to ensure that the issue retains Chief Executive, NEA deadline to eradicate fuel poverty amongst vulnerable its high political profile and that the consequent households – the elderly, those with young children commitment to deliver effective solutions is “During the last year NEA and with long-term illnesses and disabilities – maintained. Conscious of the growing concern is fast approaching and the task just became harder about the skills shortage in the insulation industry has continued to deliver a to achieve. we have also continued to deliver high quality training to a wide range of organisations and to wide range of demonstration In these circumstances it has become ever more support the training and assessment infrastructure projects promoting new and evident that the long-term solution lies in making for the National Vocational Qualification in domestic homes energy efficient. During the last year NEA has energy efficiency. innovative ways to deliver continued to deliver a wide range of demonstration projects promoting new and innovative ways to deliver In Wales, NEA made a significant contribution to energy efficiency…” energy efficiency and related services to low-income the delivery of the National Assembly’s fuel poverty households, particularly those who are currently strategy and in Northern Ireland we continue to raise under represented in the take up of many mainstream the issue of the lack of adequate resources to address public services. We have sought to develop a better the problem in the part of the with understanding of some of the factors which contribute the highest level of fuel poverty. to fuel poverty through a number of research projects, NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page five //

At the start of the year the charity took operational ensuring full take up of entitlement to benefits. There control of Warm Zones Ltd, the not-for-profit company has also been useful dialogue with the Office of the which was originally established to operate pilot Deputy Prime Minister on housing policy. The schemes in five areas to test the Warm Zones concept. implementation of the new Housing Act presents This is an area-based approach which involves the further opportunities to integrate energy efficiency systematic identification of fuel-poor households and with more general housing improvement in the the coordinated delivery of the necessary energy coming years. However, engaging the health sector efficiency improvements and related services. During remains a challenge. The task for the fuel poverty the year the company has successfully moved beyond lobby is to find a language to describe the adverse the pilot phase, profiting from the lessons learned at impact of cold damp homes on the health of local level to become fully operational and in position vulnerable households to people involved in to enjoy a bright future. delivering health services, and the positive effect, both on their workload and the welfare of their The transition has been accomplished whilst clients, that their involvement can have. We also need maintaining an impressive output from the existing to articulate clearly the role the health sector can and zones and developing new ones. NEA will continue should play and ensure that the Department of Health to run Warm Zones Ltd. as a wholly owned acknowledges this in a clear policy framework. NEA subsidiary with a key role to play in the delivery intends to take up this challenge in the coming year. history. We have also continued to build a sound of the Government’s fuel poverty objectives. financial base from which the charity can move One of the consequences of the substantial rise in forward. For this I must pay tribute to the dedication In developing Warm Zones Ltd. NEA has forged strong energy prices is that up-stream oil and gas producers, and professionalism of the NEA staff. I would also partnerships with National Grid Transco; a number of including some of the biggest and wealthiest names like to thank the NEA Trustees, in particular the energy supply companies, including Scottish Power, in the business, have enjoyed a significant increase in Chairman, Dr. Malcolm Kennedy, for the support and EdF and npower; several local authorities and a wide profits. Bearing in mind that millions of low-income assistance they have provided, both to myself and the range of locally based community and voluntary households have contributed to these profits NEA organisation as a whole. I also express my gratitude to organisations. This partnership approach is typical of believes that there is strong case for devoting a NEA ‘s many partners for the invaluable contribution the charity’s approach overall and will continue to be proportion of them to fund programmes which they have made to our work throughout the year. a defining characteristic of our future activity. tackle fuel poverty. We have opened a dialogue With the continuation of this level of dedication and with the industry on this issue and we look forward to enthusiasm, I am confident we can all rise to the At the start of the year we set ourselves the challenge continuing these discussions during the coming year. challenges which we face in eradicating the scourge of obtaining the active engagement of the key of fuel poverty and ensuring that all our citizens have Government Departments in addressing fuel poverty. Although challenging, the past year has been extremely a warm, dry home. Significant progress has been made, particularly with successful for NEA. We have delivered the largest work the Department of Work and Pensions on the subject programme and had a positive impact on the lives of William Gillis of maximising the incomes of fuel poor households by more low-income households than at any time in our Chief Executive // page six // NEA Annual Review 2004-2005

MEND Operations The ‘Meeting the Energy Needs of the Deaf’ (MEND) project is delivered by NEA in partnership with the British Deaf Association and many local agencies working with deaf people. Aims • Increase investment and promote innovation and The MEND project produced a short video which good practice in tackling fuel poverty through gives straightforward advice on how to save money demonstration projects on energy bills. The video is presented in British Sign Language and gives text-phone contact details for the • Work with a wide range of organisations to Warm Front grant scheme. The video is available free encourage them to take action to tackle fuel of charge to anyone with hearing impairment, to poverty organisations working with them, and to agencies involved in energy efficiency/fuel poverty issues. • Promote best practice within Warm Front and encourage innovation in energy efficiency schemes Thirteen Energy Advisors (all competent users of British Sign Language) were recruited and trained • Work with local authorities and other housing and are now able to refer clients for energy grants providers to develop strategies which address the and provide energy advice in the householder’s energy efficiency needs of low-income households first language. Achievements The MEND project owes much of its success to the • NEA helped three local authorities in England effectiveness of partnership working. The expertise to develop affordable warmth strategies and and co-operation of members of staff from the British co-ordinated the preparation of a regional Deaf Association were invaluable and resulted in a affordable warmth strategy in the East Midlands, much higher quality resource than would have been which will feed through into a number of regional possible without their input. The involvement of the policies BDA also gave the project credibility amongst the deaf community. The project also benefited hugely from the involvement of local deaf individuals and organisations in the format and content of the video. This ensured that the resource produced was relevant and appropriate to the needs of deaf people. NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page seven //

• In total we worked with 61 local authorities during • We established regional offices in the North Examples of the activities undertaken by these the year, in all cases promoting the inclusion of East, London and the South West and did the projects include: affordable warmth into relevant policies. This groundwork to establish a presence in four other included work to implement good practice within regions. This will help us to provide a better > A feasibility study into the energy efficiency private sector housing strategies, integration of fuel quality service to support regional and local needs of refugees poverty programmes into the work of local strategic agencies engaged in programmes to prevent partnerships and consultancy on the implementation fuel poverty > A second phase of the HEAT project in Coventry, and review of strategies providing a holistic energy efficiency, money • NEA made grants of £177,000 to member and debt advice centre • We produced a guidance note to highlight organisations and new community groups/ the opportunities for affordable warmth to social initiatives to support energy efficiency > Pilot projects to fast-track Warm Front be incorporated into the work of Arms-length and fuel poverty initiatives improvements for clients in poor health Management Organisations and Voluntary Stock Transfer Organisations taking over local • We ran 31 locally based practical projects. More > Investigating the potential for integrating authority housing stock than 2,000 low-income and vulnerable households ventilation measures into Warm Front benefited from the services they provided. We • We organised 24 regional fuel poverty forum estimate that a further 10,000 or more were > Installing solar air heating in community meetings, bringing together over 800 people to assisted by people from other agencies who took buildings learn about and discuss new developments in part in the energy efficiency training programmes policy and practice in tackling fuel poverty. we organised. Overall we had contact with more > Examining ways of ensuring affordable Over 250 organisations became members of NEA than 1200 different organisations interested in warmth in park homes increasing their knowledge of fuel poverty and • We produced quarterly reports for Defra on issues affordable warmth > Working with black and minority ethnic relating to the effective operation of the Warm community groups to meet their energy Front scheme, highlighting areas where there efficiency needs was room for improvement, notably; problems experienced by deaf people in claiming grants; boiler guarantees; eligibility for heating systems; the need for client advocacy; heating controls // page eight // NEA Annual Review 2004-2005

Communications

Aims • We continue to provide the secretariat which > Defra announced changes to Warm Front • Advise opinion formers about the issues affecting offers the essential support which maintains the consistent with NEA recommendations that fuel poverty and the policy changes needed to Parliamentary Warm Homes Group as an active the scheme should be more flexible, provide benefit low-income consumers and effective lobby group, involving 80 MPs and additional support for benefit take up, adopt Peers and 45 associate members a SAP target for energy efficiency/heating • Raise awareness of the scale of the problem of fuel improvements and extend heating measures poverty and the services available to prevent it • The Housing Bill was a major focus of campaigning to non pensioner households activity for both NEA and the Parliamentary Warm • Carry out research to develop evidence-based Homes Group, particularly in making repeated • We interviewed the spokesperson for each main policy positions on issues associated with fuel efforts to secure amendments to improve the political party on fuel poverty policy in the run up poverty and the ways it can be tackled energy efficiency element of the Decent Homes to the general election and published a report on Standard. Making standards of energy efficiency their respective commitments alongside NEA’s own • Communicate research findings and policy a precondition of licensing houses in multiple Manifesto for Warmth positions to all partners and stakeholders occupation was another campaign issue • We continued the UK Fuel Poverty Monitor project Achievements • We submitted evidence to three Select Committee in collaboration with our partners in other UK • NEA took a lead in making representations to enquiries; responded to nine consultation countries: ‘Separate and Unequal: energy efficiency the major UK oil and gas producers, to Treasury, documents by Government departments and standards in social housing in the UK’ compared the DTI and others for a financial contribution to Ofgem and three other bodies: the different standards which apply in the four fuel poverty programmes from ‘windfall’ profits countries and recommended that the best following substantial energy price increases in 2004 > The ODPM Select Committee endorsed elements be combined into a model of good proposals by NEA for a higher thermal practice to be implemented across the UK • We organised detailed briefing sessions at comfort level under a Decent Homes Plus Westminster on the effect of rising energy prices standard for social housing • We organised nine ‘Warm People Cool Planet’ on fuel poverty, attended by 33 MPs and 4 Peers regional seminars, in partnership with Defra, E.ON, from all political parties > The Trade and Industry Committee supported Groundwork and government regional offices. NEA’s view that Government should enforce a The seminars, attended by over 600 participants, ban on disconnection for non-payment if new promoted the inclusion of affordable warmth in procedures on debt and disconnection put in regional sustainability policies place by energy suppliers fail to protect vulnerable consumers NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page nine //

• 86 MPs/MSPs/AMs took part in our annual Warm > Fast-tracking Warm Front clients with severe Homes Week campaign, including 18 Government health problems. Research indicated that a REECH Ministers. Key campaign messages focused on more flexible approach on the part of scheme Mrs Patel lives in a semi-detached house in fuel poverty and public health, energy price rises, managers could allow priority to be given to the London suburbs. She has a good heating improvements to Warm Front and the need for a people in poor health system, but doesn’t enjoy the winter fuel bills coherent fuel poverty action plan. Via local radio and sometimes finds it hard to keep the house coverage of the campaign an estimated audience > Health impacts of energy efficiency. A four year really warm, particularly the hallway and stairs of around 2.5 million heard the Warm Homes Week study in North Tyneside has established clear which are next to the large external side wall. message, a figure boosted further in many areas by positive links between higher SAP and improved local newspaper coverage health. A full report on this research will be At the local community group which Mrs Patel attends she learned of the free insulation which published in 2005 • We conducted thirteen research projects. is available through NEA’s British Gas sponsored Examples of research completed this year include: REECH (Realising Energy Efficient Communities Details of our research projects, publications and and Homes) project, as well as the assistance > Warm Zones evaluation. In partnership with campaign activities can be found on our website available through the government Warm Front CSE we completed the report on the second (www.nea.org.uk), now redesigned to provide scheme. REECH is working with black and minority ethnic community organisations to year evaluation (available via www.est.org.uk). better access to information produced by NEA. help members of deprived communities The executive summary, focusing on measures The number of hits on the website for the year overcome the barriers that can prevent them of achievement and overcoming barriers to was 761,511. from heating their homes affordably. area-based schemes in meeting fuel poverty targets, was made available more widely to Improving the energy efficiency of her home stimulate potential new Warm Zone areas made a great deal of sense to Mrs Patel. She had the insulation in her loft topped up and, > Rural Fuel Poverty. The final report into how most importantly, had cavity wall insulation installed in the three external walls of her home. fuel poverty can be addressed more effectively in rural areas was completed, and a seminar When we went to visit her after the work had programme was planned to help disseminate been done the first comment Mrs Patel made as the findings we entered her home was, “You should feel how warm the walls are!” She was very happy with the > Maximising take-up of Warm Front grants. work carried out and insisted on showing how and Investigated the reasons why private landlords where the cavity wall insulation had been installed. are often reluctant to respond to offers of “Anyone who is eligible for insulation should get it done. It’s now much easier to keep my home free energy efficiency improvements. New warm, and I find I have the heating on less than promotional literature designed by NEA had I used to. The insulation has made the rooms so some success in improving comprehension much cosier, and they seem to be bigger as well.” of the scheme // page ten // NEA Annual Review 2004-2005

Northern Ireland

Aims • We completed a feasibility study for an energy • Increase understanding of the causes of fuel efficiency programme within the Western Health poverty in Northern Ireland and the remedies Action Zone; this resulted in the use of renewable available and new technologies for a small number of hard-to-treat homes occupied by older people • Support the engagement and involvement of the health services in eradicating fuel poverty • Working in partnership with the South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust, our • Provide training and qualifications in energy Warming-Up project provided warmer homes for efficiency skills older people. A smaller project, funded by South and East Belfast Health and Social Care Group has • Demonstrate good practice in tackling fuel poverty been identifying and supporting families with children in inner east Belfast struggling to keep Achievements their homes warm. In the absence of statutory • NEA’s call for a Ministerial Taskforce to oversee provision, funds were secured from Northern implementation of the fuel poverty strategy for Ireland Electricity’s Customer Energy Efficiency Northern Ireland received partial endorsement, Levy to install heating systems and insulation in the shape of a Government inter-departmental measures in fifty homes group and an independent Fuel Poverty Advisory Group. We continued to express disappointment • Seven training workshops were held in conjunction that the strategy failed to allocate any additional with Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action resources to tackle the problem in the part of the Zone, informing ten community groups and UK where it is most acute fifty-nine community workers about the benefits that could be gained from greater energy • In alliance with the Northern Investing for Health efficiency, both in their own homes and in the Partnership we developed a fuel poverty strategy wider community for the Northern Health and Social Services Board, with local councils taking the initiative on local action plans NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page eleven //

• A pilot project for primary health care professionals was organised in partnership with the Health Promotion Agency. We delivered twelve training sessions to ninety-two front-line health professionals, including District Nurses, Health Visitors and Occupational Therapists. The aim of the sessions was to raise awareness of the links between health and fuel poverty, enabling participants to refer clients to appropriate services. We plan to evaluate this project next year

• We continue to function as an examination centre for the NEA/City and Guilds energy advice qualification, conducting exams for 53 candidates from private, public and voluntary organisations last year

• NEA has provided the Chair of the Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network (NIAPN) since 2002. Last year we collaborated on a consultation with those experiencing poverty and social exclusion on behalf of the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers drawing up the Anti-Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland. The original proposals were not fully supported and a second consultation on the strategy will be instigated early next year // page twelve // NEA Annual Review 2004-2005

The HEAT energy advisor set about tackling all these Dealing with debt problems. Firstly a Warm Front grant was arranged to provide electric storage heaters in the living room and bedrooms. An application was also made and depression to a fuel supply company for loft and cavity wall insulation through its Energy Efficiency Commitment is a single parent who lives in a programme, free of charge in Joanne’s case since she village on the edge of Coventry. She suffers from is a priority group customer. a disability which means she has difficulty walking and is in constant pain. Her two year old son suffers Contact was also made with Joanne’s energy from asthma. She was referred to NEA’s Home Energy supplier to deal with her debt and her payment Advice Team (HEAT) by the local Citizens Advice arrangements. Arrangements were made to Bureau which she had contacted for help in dealing remove the prepayment meter and re-install a with fuel debt. quarterly credit meter. The project officer then contacted the Department of Work and Pensions A home visit by the HEAT project officer established to enable Joanne to pay via Fuel Direct, a scheme that the village Joanne lived in had no gas supply which allows claimants in fuel debt to make direct and she relied on a single electric fire to heat her deductions from benefit payments. This ensures home. The house was very cold, affecting both her regular payment of electricity bills, pays off arrears own health and that of her son. at an affordable rate and avoids the higher charges associated with prepayment. Equally important is A former partner had left Joanne with a substantial the peace of mind it gave Joanne. fuel debt and consequently a prepayment meter had been fitted, but this caused its own problems. The electricity meter was changed within 9 days. It was a six mile round trip to purchase cards for Warm Front fitted storage heaters to the property the meter, making it an inappropriate option for within 6 weeks. In due course Joanne’s health someone in poor health and with a young child to improved, as did her son’s asthma, as what had look after. Making the journey by bus also put an once been a cold damp home became a more extra strain Joanne’s difficult financial situation. The healthy and comfortable environment in which to result was that she sometimes self-disconnected, live. leaving her with no heat, light or cooking facilities. Lack of money, lack of heating and general anxiety about debt were obviously a source of considerable stress and hardship. NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page thirteen //

Wales

Aims • We started the long-term process of seeking to • Maintain the profile of fuel poverty throughout shape the emerging Heads of the Valleys Strategy Wales – providing information and influencing by embedding affordable warmth commitments policy into the programme • We are actively engaged in the ongoing • Develop partnerships with local authorities and development of projects in partnership with health agencies health sector agencies to deliver advice and • Work with the energy supply industry to bring information services as part of the Health forward fuel poverty initiatives Through Warmth scheme in Wales

• Work with partners to create local projects with • We maintain close working relationships with community groups and voluntary organisations Citizens Advice Bureau Wales, Care and Repair to benefit fuel poor households Wales, Age Concern, Welsh Local Government Association, Energy Savings Trust, EEAC’s and Achievements Eaga Partnership • Work started with the ‘first wave’ of local • NEA Wales is member of the Fuel Poverty authorities to develop Affordable Warmth Advisory Group established by the Welsh Strategies. Stakeholders in Caerphilly, Cardiff, Assembly Government Gwynedd and Swansea working in housing, anti-poverty, health, regeneration and sustainability • We provided energy advice training courses for all embarked on the process of agreeing practical a range of people and organisations in the public, actions to eradicate fuel poverty private and community/voluntary sectors, with particular emphasis on support for black and • Four fuel poverty forums (two in the north and minority ethnic groups in South Wales two in the south) were convened, involving over 200 people // page fourteen // NEA Annual Review 2004-2005

Business Development

Aims • Specifically designed training courses were • We liaise regularly with the Construction Industry • Expand NEA’s training and development services provided for: Training Board, the relevant Skills Council for for energy advisors the sector, to review and refine as necessary > Health and community workers our portfolio of NVQs. The NVQs in Insulation • Conduct examinations leading to recognised Operations and Provide Energy Efficiency Services > Energy advisors and other industry professionals qualifications to enhance employment opportunities/ underwent this process in 2004 seeking refresher training to up-date skills career progression for those in energy related work > Training personnel engaged in teaching • Support the construction industry in training presentation skills for colleagues commissioned installers of energy efficiency measures to deliver briefings and short seminars on • Raise awareness of how energy efficiency energy efficiency and fuel poverty improvements can benefit vulnerable households > Energy professionals in need of specialist with young children technical training to keep pace with industry • Encourage the involvement of people working developments and new legislation in health and welfare services in energy efficiency > Local authority elected members interested and fuel poverty programmes in fuel poverty issues and initiatives

Achievements > Corgi registered gas installers • We organised 47 three-day Energy Awareness courses leading to the City & Guilds 6176 • We continue to support approved NVQ Assessment qualification for energy advisors. 561 candidates Centres throughout the UK and in the Republic of sat the examination and 81% were successful. We Ireland, providing assessment support materials and support a national network of nine approved and training of assessors and internal verifiers. With a registered examination centres accommodating team of external verifiers NEA/City and Guilds 16 trained and experienced examiners undertake quality assurance inspections to ensure the quality of assessments carried out in these centres is sufficiently high NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page fifteen //

During a lengthy discussion the energy advisor was Warming Up able to reassure them about the level of disruption involved, the timescale for having the work done Following a home visit in April 2004 a Social Care and their unease about using gas for the first time. Co-ordinator from the South & East Belfast Health • In response to the Government’s commitment to and Social Services Trust contacted the Warming Up In conversation the advisor discovered that although halve child poverty by 2010 and eradicate child project run by NEA in Northern Ireland. She was the couple were in receipt of Pension Credit they poverty by 2020, we developed a new short course concerned about the temperature of Mr & Mrs had not been advised to apply for a Rate Rebate. in consultation with newly established SureStart Mckelvie’s home. Although the winter was over, the Following some specialist advice from the East Groups throughout the North and North East. house was freezing. Belfast Independent Advice Centre, Mr & Mrs The SMILE (supporting more independent lives Mckelvie duly completed the appropriate forms everywhere) training course aims to highlight the An energy advisor arranged a further home visit and submitted them to the Rates Collection Agency, risk to infants and young children of living in cold, to see if they were entitled to any assistance. together with the necessary proof of ownership of damp homes and the services which families can As the McKelvies are both in their 80’s a friend the property. use provide a remedy. We delivered 24 half-day accompanied them for support. The couple had courses for more than 270 people working as installed an electric heating system while Mr As a result of the referral the Mckelvies now have a SureStart staff or volunteers, community workers, Mckelvie was still working but over the years it gas central heating system providing hot water and health workers, or who are involved in tenants’ had fallen into disrepair and was now obsolete. heat throughout their home, costing them £40 per or residents’ groups. The success of these courses The only heat in the house was a two bar electric month. The electricity bill has also been cut, the has attracted further funding, allowing us to run fire in the living room and the hot water was last quarterly bill being for £70. They also received a further 40 sessions nationally provided by an electric immersion heater. The a cheque for almost £700 as a Rate Rebate, property is a detached bungalow and although it back-dated to October 2003, and no longer • We registered with both the LSC (Learning and has uPVC double glazing the cavity walls and loft have to make any contribution to their rates. Skills Council) and the CIEH (Chartered Institute were not insulated. of Environmental Health) as providers of Health & Mr Mckelvie is very happy with the gas heating Safety training leading to basic level qualifications During the visit it emerged that Mr and Mrs system. “It’s lovely to get up in the morning to for candidates in the insulation industry who need Mckelvie had just received their latest quarterly a warm home” he says. this as a prerequisite to acquiring NVQs electricity bill - for £284, a lot of money bearing in mind they were only heating one room and had a • We also joined the DfES (Department of Education combined income of approximately £155 per week. and Skills) register of all recognised UK education However, it also became apparent that they would providers. The DfES can support individual trainees qualify for a package of insulation measures plus a with a grant towards the cost of training and gas central heating system from the Warm Homes examinations Plus scheme. // page sixteen // NEA Annual Review 2004-2005

Warm Zones

2004/5 was a year of rapid development for • Identifying opportunities to develop and support Operational highlights Warm Zones Limited (WZL). It has evolved from new Warm Zones and associated projects that meet a Government-sponsored pilot programme into our objectives and key numbers an established social enterprise which has now assessed over 390,000 homes across 18 local • Strengthening the core central services delivered • Newcastle Warm Zone, East London Warm Zone authority areas with a collective population of to Warm Zones and Neath and Port Talbot (in association with almost 1.7 million. WarmWales Ltd) projects were launched • Using energy efficiency programmes and other varied funding sources to improve housing to at • Over 66,000 homes were assessed WZL is a social enterprise, a not-for-profit company least the Decent Homes Standard limited by guarantee, and a wholly owned subsidiary • Over 7000 Benefits Health Checks were conducted, of NEA. By delivering practical energy efficiency • Enhancing the ‘something for all’ approach, funded leading to additional payments totaling £1,300,000, improvements and other related services to all by the Energy Efficiency Commitment, Warm Front at an average of £ 1,525 per successful claim households, particularly those whose occupants and a wide range of other grants are vulnerable, WZL contributes directly to the • Over 25,000 substantial energy efficiency achievement of NEA’s charitable objectives. • Addressing benefits take-up, health, social exclusion improvement measures were provided to fuel Our mission is: and related issues as part of Warm Zone activities to poor and vulnerable households help improve the quality of life To facilitate the efficient, integrated and appropriate • Over £20 million was secured for Warm Zones delivery of practical measures to alleviate fuel poverty • Providing a range of consultancy and programme from fuel suppliers’ EEC schemes and improve domestic energy efficiency in defined management services to local authorities and other geographical areas. agencies to help business planning and secure • More than 150 new jobs and training integration of funding packages opportunities were created By creating and sustaining professionally-led, effective • A hand-held electronic assessment tool was community-based partnerships we aim to meet the • Acting as a catalyst, providing leadership to local developed and successfully introduced needs of all parties with an interest in fuel poverty and partnerships and promoting engagement to launch and sustain fuel poverty intervention activity energy efficiency, from individual local authorities and • WZL directly employed 75 staff, excluding social landlords to householders themselves. During • Using WZL data to inform policy development secondments and work placements 2004/5 we have made real progress in enhancing and contribute to the creation of an improved our performance and improving service delivery, by: • WZL turnover was over £3 million, excluding fuel poverty ‘toolkit’ the cost of energy efficiency measures NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page seventeen //

Annual Review Year ended 31st March 2005

NEA Income NEA Expenditure Year ended Total Year ended Total Total Expenditure Total Expenditure March 31st 2005 Funds March 31st 2004 Funds £,000s £,000s £,000s £,000s Grants Cost of Generating Funds 118 Cost of Generating Funds 118 Public Sector 1,826 Public Sector Grants 1,826 Grants Payable 177 Grants Payable 177 Other 81 Other Grants 81 Core Activities 695 Project Activities 2,678 General Income General Income 1,011 Management and Administartion 95 Subscriptions 148 Self-generated Income 494 Project Activities:------Sponsorship 863 Other 105 England National 1,188 Total 3,068 Self-Generated Income ------England Regional 472 ------Publications 9 Total 3,517 Northern Ireland 205 Conference Fees 55 ------Wales 118 Cost of Generating Funds 4% Courses 189 Management and Administration 95 Grants Payable 6% Research and Consultancy Fees 250 Public Sector Grants 52% Increase in General Reserve 77 Project Activities 87% Other Other Grants 2% Transfer to Designated Funds 125 Management and Administartion 3% Investment Income 35 General Income 29% Increase in Restricted Funds 247 ------Miscellaneous 61 Self-generated Income 14% ------Total 100% ------Other 3% Total 3,517 ------Total 3,517 ------Total 100% 3% 3% ------14% 4% 6%

A key performance indicator for NEA was to secure resources to deliver our work programme. Total incoming resources for the year increased by £644,407. NEA Income NEA Expenditure This year membership of the Business Supporters Group grew to 29 companies 29% and sponsorship increased by £310,000. The level of reserves is now just below 52% 6 months operating costs, coming into line with that level recommended by the 87% Charity Commission, and a development fund was created to support community organisations and run campaigns. 2%

'These accounts are an abridged version of the charity's consolidated/audited accounts which will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies and Charity Commission following the AGM in September 2005. Thereafter a copy of the accounts can be obtained on application to NEA's Company Secretary. // page eighteen // NEA Annual Review 2004-2005

NEA Funders List Grants, Sponsorship, Donations and BSG Members

Company Name Company Name Company Name • Advance Total Energy Care Entrust Newcastle City Council Single Regeneration Budget • AES Kilroot E S Pipelines Newcastle Energy Centre • Alpine Environments European Social Fund Northern Ireland Housing Executive • Antrim Borough Council Fenhams Contracts Northern Newcastle HAZ • Big Lottery Fund Ferroli Ltd Northern Rock Foundation • City Council Fernox OFGEM • Boots Charitable Trust Genersys Ltd Parliamentary Warm Homes Group • Bridgehouse Trust GTI Ltd Phillips Lighting • British Gas Hillfields Partnership (European Regional Development Fund) Powergen • Bournemouth City Council Housing Association Charitable Trust Public Utilities Access Forum • C E Electric UK Instagroup Quality Services Group • Centrica Investing for Health Northern/NHSSB Ravenheat Manufacturing Ltd • CIGA Investing for Health Southern Rochdale MBC • Community Fund JSL RWE npower • Construction Sector Skills Council Jersey Energy S & E Belfast Trust • Coventry City Council Kent Consortium of Local Authorities Scottish Power • Coventry Primary Care Trust Kirklees Metropolitan Scottish & Southern Energy plc Healthy Living Zone (New opportunities Fund) Borough Council • Coventry Voluntry Service LASP Programme (Southwest) SEED Programme • Defra Learning Skills Council Sentinel • Department of Social Development London Borough of Camden South & East Belfast Social Care Group • E.ON UK Luton BC Utilita Group • EAGA Partnership Microgen Vaillant Limited • EDF Energy National Assembly for Wales Voluntary Action Cumbria • EDF Energy Green Tariff Fund National Energy Services Wakefield MBC • Energy Saving Trust National Grid Transco Worcester Bosch Group NEA Annual Review 2004-2005 // page nineteen //

Members of the Members of the NEA NEA Board of Trustees Advisory Group

• Chairman • President Dr Malcolm Kennedy CBE The Rt Hon The Lord Newton of Braintree • Honorary Treasurer David Hall • Vice Presidents Partner, Richardson Hall Kennedy David Green OBE Baroness Hilton of Eggardon • Andrew Cooper Energy Policy Manager Baroness Maddock of Christchurch Yorkshire and Humber Assembly Dr James Porteous DL • David Cowens (from 7 September 2004) Group Chief Executive Places for People • Dr Bob Dobbie • Domini Gunn Housing Inspector Audit Commission (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) • Gwyndaf Hughes Social Policy Development Officer (Wales) National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux Wales • Norman Kerr (from 12 April 2005) Director Energy Action Scotland • Mimi McAlinden (from 7 September 2004) Manager Investing for Health (Northern Ireland) • Roger Murray • Cllr David Wood City of NEA Staff (as at 1st July 2005)

Office of the Chief Executive Directorate of Operations NEA's Office in Northern Ireland Chief Executive William Gillis Director of Operations Steve Gillon Director (Northern Ireland) Pat Austin PA to the Chief Executive Tracey Archer PA to the Director of Operations Karen Crawford Community Energy Project Officer Mark Corbett Operations Manager (Huddersfield) Lorraine Donaldson Communication and Policy Officer Andrea Heaney Directorate of Business Development Operations Manager (Headquarters) Malcolm Dove Training and Technical Officer Paul Wallace Director of Business Development Joanne Carr Operations Manager (Headquarters) Peter Sumby PA to the Director of Business Development Pauline Scott Operations Manager (London) Ian Tanner NEA's Office in Wales Senior Training & Development Officer Ken Coxon Technical Manager (Headquarters) Arthur Scott Director (Wales) Steve Cranston Senior Training & Partnerships Officer Denise Howell Senior Project Officer Rev Bennett Training & Development Officer Jane Edgington Senior NVQ & Examinations Officer Joan Casson Regional Co-ordinator (South West) Martin Eibl Training Officer Chris Ellis Regional Co-ordinator (North East) Ann-Marie Gibson Warm Zones Ltd Central Staff Training Officer Anwar Ul Haq Regional Co-ordinator (London) John Simpson General Manager Bob Carter NVQ & Examinations Officer Colin Dunn Regional Co-ordinator (East Midlands) Nicky Swetnam Operations Manager Phil Jarman Training Development Assistant Lynsey Thompson Regional Co-ordinator (North West) Vacant Finance Manager Lorraine Major Administration Assistant Valerie Ellis Health Through Warmth Co-ordinator Louise Twinam (Midlands) Directorate of Communications Project Co-ordinator (Middlesbrough) Diane Bland Director of Communications Jenny Saunders Project Co-ordinator (Headquarters) Claire Green PA to the Director of Communications Brian Hart Project Co-ordinator (Headquarters) Lesley Hall Head of Policy, Research & Information Neil Ritchie Project Co-ordinator (Coventry) Saran Jarvie Publicity & Events Manager Maria Wardrobe Project Officer (Coventry) Judy Best Information and Policy Officer Ron Campbell Project Officer (Headquarters) Alex Fowler Research Officer Nick Merleau-Ponty Project Officer (Coventry) Mary O'Brien Research Officer Helen Stockton Project Officer (Coventry) Esther Reeves NEA, National Office, St Andrew’s House, Public Relations Officer Zoë Bradford Project Officer (London) Mansoora Shah 90-92 Pilgrim Street, Membership Co-ordinator/Business Kathryn Day Project Officer (Headquarters) Carol Willis Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6SG H0094/07/05 0191 478 3555 www.hippo33.com Designed and produced by Hippo Creative Solutions Tel: Liaison Officer Forum Assistant/Database Controller Tracy Norris Press Officer Alice Steel Development Officer Ian Wilburn Tel: (0191) 261 5677 Fax: (0191) 261 6496 Public Relations Officer Sarah Fraser email: [email protected] Business Liaison/Fundraising Officer Helen Walker Directorate of Support Services website: www.nea.org.uk Information Officer/Library Manager Susan Clark Director of Support Services Neil Hartwell Research Assistant David Lynch Head of Finance Rowland Hill NEA is an independent charity. Registration No. 290511. Public Relations Assistant Gaynor Weston Finance Officer Louise Snaith Company Limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1853927. Administration Assistant Kellie-Ann Smith Office Manager John Mitchell Registered office as above. © NEA 2005. IT Support Officer Paul Brown Finance Assistant Diane Duncan Finance Assistant Fiona Robson Receptionist Lyn Rebair Office Trainee Richard Gardiner Printed on recycled paper: 250gsm/150gsm Greencoat Plus Gloss.