Record number of residents seek support from Warm and Well service to cut energy bills and improve home comfort
New figures from Forest of Dean District Council’s Warm and Well partner show a dramatic increase in the number of residents seeking advice and support to make their homes more energy efficient.
For the 12 months ending 31 March 2025, the service reached 2,146 people at events and drop-in sessions – 40 times more than in the previous year.
In addition, 654 households received direct support through home visits and grant funding. Of these, 64% included someone living with a health condition, and nearly one in three (31.5%) included someone aged over 65 - highlighting the vulnerability of many residents facing high energy costs.
Cllr Chris McFarling, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency at Forest of Dean District Council, said: “These figures show just how many people in our district continue to struggle with the cost of heating their homes, especially during the winter months.
“Cold, inefficient homes are not only costly to run, they can also seriously impact people’s health - particularly those with long-term health conditions. Warm and Well provides practical, tailored advice and helps residents access funding and grants to improve their home’s energy performance and reduce their bills, through measures such as improving insulation.
“We encourage anyone worried about their energy bills or living in a hard-to-heat home to contact the service.”
As well as offering advice, the service directly improved the energy efficiency of 112 of the district’s hardest-to-heat homes, installing 285 energy-saving measures including cavity wall and loft insulation, renewable energy solutions, and boiler or heater upgrades.
The total package of support delivered during the year is projected to generate £1.46 million in lifetime energy savings for Forest of Dean households, while avoiding 7,744 tonnes of CO2e emissions - equivalent to 4,840 return flights between London and New York.
Improving energy efficiency in the district remains a challenge. Many Forest of Dean properties are off the gas grid or of non-standard construction, which makes upgrades more complex - but also more necessary.
The Warm and Well service is delivered by Severn Wye Energy Agency on behalf of Forest of Dean District Council, alongside other Gloucestershire councils and South Gloucestershire Council. It provides free, independent advice to help residents stay warm, reduce energy bills, and tackle fuel poverty.
Residents, landlords, or tenants can find out more or apply for support by calling freephone 0800 500 3076, emailing [email protected] or visiting the Warm and Well website at www.warmandwell.co.uk.