Purpose

To seek approval from the Cabinet Member for Health and Communities to contribute £0.020m to Marches Energy Agency to support work in foodbanks across Derbyshire to provide emergency energy advice to vulnerable residents struggling with energy costs up to the end of March 2026.
 

Decision

The Cabinet Member approved the contribution of £0.020m to Marches Energy Agency to support work in foodbanks across Derbyshire to provide emergency energy advice to vulnerable residents struggling with energy costs, up to the end of March 2026.

Reasons for the decision

Fuel poverty is inextricably linked to financial exclusion and health inequalities, with the most deprived neighbourhoods adversely affected more so than affluent areas, increasing vulnerabilities in cohorts such as the elderly. Demand for support with energy costs remains high, with many households needing additional help to reduce their fuel bills and increase the energy efficiency of their homes. 

Alternative options considered

Do not approve additional investment to MEA. (This is not the preferred option). Reducing fuel poverty is a priority within both the Derbyshire Health & Wellbeing Strategy and the Public Health Strategy. Therefore, by not approving this additional investment an opportunity to address an area of focus in both the above-mentioned strategies would be significantly reduced.