NEW figures have revealed a sharp increase in the number of Forest of Dean residents seeking help to make their homes more energy efficient.

The district’s Warm and Well service, delivered by Severn Wye Energy Agency in partnership with Forest of Dean District Council, supported 2,146 people at events and drop-in sessions in the year to March 31, 2025.

A further 654 households received direct help through home visits and grant-funded improvements. Of those, nearly two-thirds included someone living with a health condition, and almost a third had a resident aged over 65.

Councillor 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”

Over the last year, the service helped upgrade the energy efficiency of 112 of the district’s least efficient homes, installing 285 individual measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation, renewable energy solutions, and improved heating systems.

Altogether, the support provided is expected to generate around £1.46 million in lifetime energy savings and prevent 7,744 tonnes of carbon emissions, the equivalent of more than 4,800 return flights between London and New York.

However, improving home energy efficiency across the district remains a challenge. Many Forest homes are off the gas grid or built using non-standard construction methods, making upgrades more complex and costly.

The Warm and Well scheme continues to offer free, independent advice to homeowners, tenants and landlords across the district.

The service operates in partnership with all Gloucestershire councils and South Gloucestershire Council, with a focus on tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions.