THE district council has been commended for supporting vulnerable residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes through a top regional award.

The council’s flagship fuel poverty support service Warm and Well, which is delivered by local sustainability charity Severn Wye Energy Agency, was awarded first place in the ‘Vulnerable Customer Support’ category at this year’s West Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards.

The Forest Council was also recognised by industry professionals and peers with a “well-earned” commendation in the ‘Local Authority of the Year’ category.

Warm and Well, which is delivered on behalf of the six local authorities in Gloucestershire, supported 364 households in the Forest in the last nine months of 2021 alone, bringing in almost £500,000 to the district to improve the energy efficiency of residents’ properties.

Councillor Chris McFarling, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency at the council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Council acknowledged for the impact its energy efficiency and fuel poverty projects have had in local communities right here in the Forest. This isn’t just an award, it’s recognition of the effect our work is having on the quality of life of our residents – especially at a time where energy bills and climate anxiety are so important.”

The council says it has “growing ambitions” to support even more people to become more resilient to rising energy prices, by offering landlords free energy efficiency surveys for their properties, and “significant” grant funding which will allow the district’s least efficient homes to receive further upgrades.