Lancaster City Council, with funding from North Lancashire PCT, is helping landlords to maintain their properties this winter to ensure vulnerable tenants aren’t left out in the cold.
The Affordable Warmth Project aims to improve the health of some of its most vulnerable residents with the view to reducing hospital admissions due to the cold weather.
For those living in private rented accommodation, landlords have a duty to maintain their properties to the correct standards of heating and insulation. As part of the project, a newly appointed officer will work with landlords and tenants in the district to provide advice and assistance to ensure those standards are met.
Suzanne Lodge, Head of Health and Housing, said: “As well as highlighting the responsibilities landlords have for ensuring and maintaining adequate heating and insulation in their properties, the council will also offer them assistance in providing energy efficient homes for their tenants.
“It is hoped that providing additional support for the landlords of older and vulnerable tenants will make a positive step towards reducing the health inequalities associated with fuel poverty and affordable warmth.
“However, landlords should bear in mind that if there are cases of non-compliance, the council will not hesitate in taking appropriate action.”
• For more information or to arrange a free visit please contact Lancaster City Council on 01524 582257 or by email: strategichousing@lancaster.gov.uk