East Suffolk Council

Suffolk Centres for Warmth

The Suffolk Councils have secured funding from Cadent, the largest gas distribution network operator, to deliver a 2-year programme to support residents who are struggling to keep warm. The project is being hosted by East Suffolk Council and links with Safe Suffolk Renters but is available to all residents, not just those in rented housing.

The project is also raising awareness of the potential risks of Carbon Monoxide in the home, how to access extra help via the priority service register and advice around fuel costs, energy efficiency, welfare benefits and healthy homes.

Support will initially focus in Lowestoft, with the team attending warm rooms, local events and talking to community groups and frontline workers. The project will expand to provide support in other parts of Suffolk during the 2 years.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon Monoxide is often referred to as the Silent Killer, as it is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, that is difficult to detect. 

An audible carbon monoxide alarm is recommended in each habitable room with a potential source of CO, such as a gas boiler, open fire, or solid fuel stove.

If you are in a rented property, the landlord should provide a CO alarm in rooms with fixed combustion appliances. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants.

Reducing the risks of CO poisoning

As well as fitting an audible CO alarm, you can reduce CO risks in the home by ensuring:

• gas appliances are properly installed and serviced by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer, and
• all chimneys and flues are cleaned annually to prevent blockages

Could you be at risk of CO poisoning?

According to a survey Cadent (August 2020), just 51% of homeowners have their boiler serviced annually and only 45% of homeowners have a working audible carbon monoxide alarm in their home.

Carbon Monoxide alarms

When purchasing a Carbon Monoxide alarm, check it is marked EN50291 and displays the British Standards’ Kitemark.

Carbon Monoxide emergency

If you suspect carbon monoxide, call Cadent FREE on 0800 111 999

More information about carbon monoxide.

Extra support with utilities for those in vulnerable situations

Priority services register (PSR)

The PSR is a completely free service, designed to make it easier for those who need a little extra help. Find out more and sign up to receive essential benefits that will make the management of your energy supply easier at Priority Services Register.

You can also sign up by contacting your water, gas or electricity supplier directly.

Gas safety

Cadent offer a free locking cooker value fitting services, to enable caregivers control the gas to the cooker, to prevent any issues caused by accidentally leaving the gas on.

Need extra help?

If you are a homeowner and struggling to afford a CO alarm and/or gas boiler servicing, get in touch to see if you are eligible for free support.

How energy efficient is your home?

The energy efficiency rating of your home will depend on a range of factors including: how your home is heated (fuel type, appliances and controls), the construction of your home and how well it is insulated.

Homes that have been rented out or sold in the past 10 year, should have a valid energy performance certificate (EPC).  The certificates provide an indication of the running costs, and list potential energy efficiency measures that could make the property more energy efficient. Find the EPC of your property by entering your postcode on the national register.

Keeping on top of your energy bills

With rising energy costs, it is important to ensure your energy bills are accurate and not estimated, and the amount you pay matches what you are using.  If you pay by credit, sending regular meter readings to your energy supplier (ideally monthly) can really help, especially if you’ve moved home recently and/or your circumstances and energy usage changes.

Not sure how to read your meter? Citizens Advice guide: How to read your gas or electricity meter - Citizens Advice.

Struggling to afford your energy bills?

We can provide energy advice including understanding bill, meter readings, negotiating payment methods, energy efficiency measures, budgeting advice, check benefit entitlement and explore additional support for health and well-being.

Check you are getting what you are entitled to

Use a free and confidential benefit entitlement checker Turn2us Benefits Calculator.

If you need help with checking your entitlement, please contact the support officer.

Help to make your home more energy efficient

Warm Home Suffolk, a joint programme by Suffolk Councils, offers home-owners and those in privately rented properties without mains gas, grants for energy efficiency measures. Find out more about eligibility Warm Homes Suffolk.