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22
Oct 2020
Harrogate district braced for 'huge rise' in winter fuel poverty
An organisation that combats fuel poverty in North Yorkshire has warned it expects a "huge rise" in referrals this winter, especially in the Harrogate district.
Warm and Well, which is a partnership project between public, private and voluntary sector organisations to reduce the the number of cold deaths, said referrals increased by 196% between July and the end of September compared to last year.
The Harrogate district was responsible for 28% of these referrals in what are usually the quietest months for Warm and Well, which believes the surge in referrals reflects the financial impact of the pandemic.
The organisation said in a statement it "expects a huge rise in referrals this winter as the financial effects of the coronavirus take hold across the region".
Julia Priestnall, project coordinator for Warm and Well in North Yorkshire, said:
Read more:
- Those struggling during the pandemic saw a decrease in their council tax bill.
- Rural crime costs millions for North Yorkshire each year.
Warm and Well, which is managed by Citizens Advice Mid-North Yorkshire and funded by North Yorkshire County Council, helps people deal with energy debt, switching suppliers or applying for emergency energy support.
Its #GearUpForWinter campaign focuses on fuel poverty within rural areas.
The organisation has visited parts of the Yorkshire Dales to help people keep their home warm during the colder season.
To refer yourself of someone you know to Warm and Well in North Yorkshire, click here.
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