Freephone 0800 954 1956

advice@cep.org.uk

www.cep.org.uk

AffordableWarmthA D V I C E F O R P A R K H O M ER E S I D E N T S I N C O R N W A L L

FUNDINGOPTIONS

BOOST YOURINCOME

SUPPORT& INFORMATION

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We're Cornwall's energy advice charityand here to help householders in Cornwallstay warm and healthy in their homes.

In Spring 2020, we embarked on a two-year project to help park home residents inCornwall access advice and services toenjoy warmer, healthier homes.

Due to the pandemic, it has not beenpossible to get out and about to deliveradvice on doorsteps and in homes as wehad planned, however we have beenpleased to help many park home residentsaccess grants, boost their householdincome and access services to improvetheir health and wellbeing.

This advice guide shares some of our toptips for park home residents. We’re stillhere to help, either over the phone, videocall or we can provide in-home (orgarden!) advice where this will be ofbenefit to park home residents inCornwall.

As specialist park home energy advisors,we're on hand to help. Just give us a callor drop us a line.

Freephone 0800 954 1956

advice@cep.org.uk

www.cep.org.uk

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Mel & Susie

Freephone 0800 954 1956

advice@cep.org.uk

www.cep.org.uk

So, so grateful for yourhelp, we couldn’t haveafforded to replace theold boiler without yourhelp.

Mr H. £600 grant

FUNDING OPTIONSInterested in accessing a grantfor park home insulation?

While the Green Homes Grant may have failed to deliver the scale of grant-funded park home insulation that is needed in Cornwall, we’re constantlylooking for alternative ways to help local park home residents upgrade theirhomes.

We invite you to register your details with us to hear about new opportunitiesas they become available, so that you can get to the front of the queue forfuture local or national grant schemes. Just call us or drop us an email.

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you get the Guarantee Creditelement of Pension Credit

you’re on a low income andmeet certain criteria

This is a £140 payment towardsyour energy bill in the wintermonths, credited to your energyaccount by your electricity supplierbetween November and March.

You could get £140 off yourelectricity bill for Winter 2021 to2022 under the Warm HomeDiscount Scheme.

There are 2 ways to qualify for theWarm Home Discount Scheme:

Park Home Warm Home Discount £140

If you pay your electricity costs toyour site owner, you should registerfor the Park Home Warm HomeDiscount scheme, operated by thecharity Charis atparkhomeswhd.com or you cancall us on 0800 954 1956 to ask usto do this on your behalf.

If you have an electricity meter andpay your supplier directly, contactthem about Warm Home Discount.Search online for the name of yoursupplier + 'Warm Home Discount’ tosee if you are eligible and how toapply. Or call us on Freephone0800 954 1956or drop us a line:advice@cep.org.uk

MORE MONEY FOR YOU

Missed out on this lastwinter, thank you forregistering me.

Mrs B, £140 saving

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If you buy your electricity direct from an energy supplier, are you sureyou're on the best deal?

Grab a recent energy bill and check out our price comparison andswitching service:

www.energyhelpline.com/communityenergyswitchor call 0800 804 7247

Energy Helpline can provide a full market tariff comparison and help youswitch suppliers to save you money.

Could you save by switching tariffs?

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Smart metersSmart meters are being installed in homes across Great Britain at no extracost, to replace traditional meters. Smart meters send your gas andelectricity readings directly to your energy supplier so you don’t have to.They enable accurate, not estimated bills – helping to take the stress out ofbudgeting and putting you back in control.

The in-home display (IHD) which you’ll receive with your smart meter,shows you in near-real time the amount of energy you use in pounds andpence, allowing you to keep a closer eye on your energy spending habits.This can help you find ways to reduce energy waste around your homeand save money.

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Eligibility of smart meters may vary.

Consumer action is required to obtain costsavings and budgeting benefits of smart meters.

Please note:

Kitchen£150

£50

£10

£10

£20

See how much you could save every year,by saving your energy around the home

MORE MONEY FOR YOU

Use an energy monitor orsmart meter in-homedisplay to keep an eye onhow you use energy andmake changes to savemoney

Switch off lights inunoccupied rooms

Replace filament bulbswith low energy LEDbulbs. These will usearound 10% of theelectricity that is used byfilament bulbs.

Draught-proof doors,including letterbox brushand keyhole cover andunder door excluders.

Draught-proof aroundwindows and doors.Draught-free homes arecomfortable at lowertemperatures, so you maybe able to turn down yourthermostat, saving evenmore on your energy bills.

Close curtains at dusk tostop heat escapingthrough windows.

£50

£50

£10per

bulb

£28

£20

£15

Install a water-efficientshower head and checkout what free energy-saving devices offeredby South West Water.

£35 gas& £50

water ifmetered

Home

Bathroom

Visit:www.southwestwater.co.uk/save-water/free-products/

Regularly defrost freezerto improve runningefficiency

Dry clothes outsideinstead of using a tumbledryer, saving 50p a load

Wash full loads ratherthan half loads oflaundry

Use your washingmachine's 30°C cycle

Only fill the kettle with asmuch water as you need

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Social Care Water TariffIf you buy your water directly from South West Water and you are on awater meter, have you checked if you’re eligible for a discount?

WaterCareThis is for low income households receiving Income based JSA, ESA,Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit orHousing Benefit. Qualifying households can receive between 15% - 50%discount on their ongoing charges.

WaterSureIf a household member has a medical condition or there are 3 or morechildren requiring extra water use in the property, you may qualify to haveyour annual water costs capped at £483.19, regardless of your water use.

To apply for a discounted Water Tariff from South West Water visit:southwestwater.co.uk or call 0344 346 1010

Save money on your water bills

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Guarantee Credit tops up yourweekly income to a guaranteedminimum level of £177.10 if you'resingle or £270.30 if you're acouple.

Savings Credit is extra money ifyou've got some savings or yourincome is higher than the basicState Pension. It's only available topeople who reached State Pensionage before 6 April 2016. You couldget up to £14.04 extra per week ifyou're single or £15.71 if you're acouple.

Pension Credit comes in 2 parts:Pension Credit is a tax-free means-tested benefit for retired people on alow income. If you are eligible forPension Credit Guarantee Credit,you can access a host of otherbenefits including Council TaxRelief, financial help with your siterent and if you’re over 75, a free TVlicence!

Pension Credit

Call 0800 99 1234or visit: https://apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk

Thank you so muchfor your help claimingPension Credit. It mayonly be a few poundsper week, but it willopen up other benefitsto me like help withdentist and travelcosts to hospital.

Mrs M.

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Council Tax Support helps people who have no income or a low income topay their Council Tax.

You can claim Council Tax Support if you own your own home or rent. Youcan also claim if you are working or unemployed.

Entitlement to Council Tax Support is based on how much income, capitaland savings your household has.

Check if you are eligible and apply at:

www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/council-tax-support/apply-for-council-tax-support/

or call Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 121

Council Tax Support

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

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Housing Benefit is for help with rentpayments (including ground rent forpark home residents) for those whoare not working, on a low income orin receipt of other benefits.

Visit: www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/housing-benefit/or call 0300 1234 121

Housing Benefit

I’ve never asked forhelp, but this hasmeant a great deal tomy quality of living.

Mrs B. £1,800 annualsaving with HousingBenefit

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

If you are below state pensionretirement age and care forsomeone for at least 35 hours perweek and they receive certainbenefits, for example PersonalIndependence Payment or Disability LivingAllowance, you could be eligible forCarer's Allowance.

Apply at:www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/ or call 0800 731 0297

Carer's Allowance

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Personal Independence Payment(PIP) is a benefit for people whomay need help with daily activitiesor getting around because of a long-term illness or disability. If you havean illness or disability, it can makelife difficult and affect your income,especially if you have to give upwork or cut down your hours.Having a little extra money couldhelp you to pay for things you needor want. You can spend PIP onwhatever you need it for.

You may be eligible for PIP if you’reunder State Pension age and needhelp with daily living activities orgetting around, or both. If you’reawarded PIP before you reach StatePension age, you’ll continue toreceive it after as well. You can stillmake a claim if you’re working.

PIP isn’t based on your NationalInsurance contributions and it isn’tmeans-tested, which means itdoesn’t matter how much income orsavings you have.

If you've reached State Pension ageand have care needs, you shouldclaim Attendance Allowance instead(see page 12).

Age UK have some excellentinformation on their website abouteligibility and tips to increase yourchances of making a successfulclaim.

To start your claim, call theDepartment for Work and Pensions(DWP) on 0800 917 2222. They willask for basic information and thensend you a claim form.

Personal Independence Payment

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

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This is extra income that is notmeans-tested that you can claim ifyou are over state pension age andneed regular help with your personalcare or supervision because ofillness or disability.

A little extra money can go a longway. You can use it in any way youlike to meet your needs and stayindependent in your own home. Themoney doesn’t have to be spent ona carer.

Claiming Attendance Allowancewon’t reduce any other income youreceive. It’s tax-free and if you’reawarded Attendance Allowance, youmay become entitled to otherbenefits, such as Pension Credit,Housing Benefit or Council TaxReduction, or an increase in thesebenefits if you’re already receivingthem.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter howmuch income and savings you have.Age UK have some excellentinformation on their website abouteligibility and tips to increase yourchances of making a successfulclaim.

Search online for Age UK +'Attendance Allowance'or call the Age UK Advice Lineon 0800 678 1602

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

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Do you need support to maintain your independence while living in yourpark home?

Cornwall Council’s in-house telecare service provider offers 24/7monitoring and installation of lifeline alarms and sensors. This providesround-the-clock reassurance that help is at hand when it’s most needed.

Whether you need help when feeling unwell, assistance after a fall, or alifesaving intervention, your family and friends can have peace of mindthat 24/7 assistance is a button press away, from as little as £3.48 aweek.

For more information search ‘Cornwall Lifeline and Assisted Living’ or call0300 7900 603

Assisted Living Service

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

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Do you need to make adaptations to your park home to help youlive more independently?

Cornwall Council Home Solutions team offer advice andassistance to people over 60 or with disabilities to help them livesafely and independently at home. They also offer a Handypersonservice to carry out small jobs and repairs around your home.

Visit: www.cornwall.gov.uk/housing/home-solutionsor call 01872 224707or email adaptationsteam@cornwall.gov.uk

Home Adaptations

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

Thank you so much forhelping to get myhandrails and step intothe shower sorted.

Mrs M.

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If you are struggling to make ends meet or worried about debt, contact:

Citizens Advice CornwallAdvice on benefits, debt, money, housing and more.Call 0800 144 8848Visit: citizensadvicecornwall.org.uk or Text: ADVICE or DEBT to 78866

MoneyHelperFree guidance to help make your money and pension choices clearer, putyou in control and recommend further, trusted support if you need it.Call 0800 138 7777Visit: moneyhelper.org.uk

Turn2UsInformation and support to help people get back on track.Visit: turn2us.org.uk

Step ChangeDebt charity offering free debt advice and money management.Call 0800 138 1111Visit: stepchange.org

Kernow Credit UnionOffers affordable, flexible loans and savings schemes.Call 01209 314449Visit: kernowcreditunion.co.uk

Money Management

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

Thank you so much, Ifelt utterly bewilderedand I wouldn't haveknown any different ifit wasn't for you.

Mrs A.15

Most central heating programmerscan be set to turn your heating ontwice a day, once in the morningand again in the evening.

To make sure you have heat whenyou need it, set your programmerto come on half an hour before youwant to get up in the morning. Thisprovides a ‘warming up’ period.

You should also schedule theheating to switch off half an hourbefore you usually leave the houseand before you go to bed.

In most cases it will be moreexpensive to leave your heating onconstantly at a low level, ratherthan using a programmer. It’simportant to manage your heatingsystem, but more important tokeep warm and well.

Thermostats on hot water tanksshould be set at 60°C (140°F). Ifthe temperature is lower it willallow bacteria to grow. If thethermostat is set higher you couldrisk scalding from extremely hotwater, as well as wasting moneyfrom unnecessary heating.

Controlling your heating

INFORMATION

Some radiators are fitted withindividual controls allowing you toset different temperatures indifferent rooms. Try turning radiatorsdown to a low level in unusedrooms, but don’t turn them offcompletely. This low backgroundheat should help reduce anyproblems with damp and mould.

If you have night storage heaters,make sure you know how to use thecontrols to regulate the amount ofenergy/heat that they take on duringthe off-peak periods and howquickly that heat is released. Youneed to set the Output dialaccording to how much heat youwant now, and the Input dialaccording to how much heat youthink you will need tomorrow. Thehigher the setting, the quicker theheat is released.

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VentilationReduce excessive moisture andallow damp air to escape outside byregularly opening windows wherepossible.

HeatingHeat rooms adequately to raise theair and surface temperatures.

Avoid bottled gas and paraffinheaters as they release watervapour while generating heat.

CookingUse lids on pans when cooking andclose the kitchen door when steamis being created.

BathroomWhen using the shower in thebathroom, keep the door shut, butremember to use an extractor fan oropen a window afterwards.

Advice on preventing damp and mould

LaundryIf you have to dry laundry indoors,restrict to one room with the doorclosed and a window openedslightly or use a dehumidifier to takeaway the moisture released by theclothes as they dry.

If your property suffers fromcondensation or mould, the Cornishcompany, South West Ventilationcan provide specialist advice andsolutions. For a no-obligationsurvey, visit:southwestventilation.co.uk/contact/or call 01326 727101

INFORMATION

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have reached your state pensionageare disabled or have a long-termmedical conditionare recovering from an injuryhave a hearing or sight conditionhave a mental health conditionare pregnant or have childrenunder 5 years oldhave extra communication needs(such as if you don’t speak orread English well).

If you find yourself in a vulnerablesituation where your electricity, gas orwater supply has been interrupted,the Priority Services Register (PSR)offers free support to help you,particularly if you have extracommunication, access or safetyneeds.

Joining the PSR offers support suchas advanced notice of power cuts;priority support in an emergency, forexample, heating and cookingfacilities; and help with prepaymentmeter access.

PSRs are offered by energy suppliersand network operators and eachkeep their own register. You areeligible to join if you:

You might still be able to join theregister for other reasons, such as ifyou need short-term support after astay in hospital.

Stay informed during a power cut or if yourwater supply is interrupted

INFORMATION

Network operator information

Western Power Distribution PSRjust call Community Energy Plus on0800 954 1956

South West Water PSRonline at:southwestwater.co.uk/need-help/priority-services/or call 0344 346 1010

Wales & West Utilitiesonline at:wwutilities.co.uk/services/safe-warm/priority-customers/priority-services-register/or call 02920 278558

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The Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service offer free homefire safety checks to help householders identify potential risks in their homes.The checks are targeted towards residents over the age of 65, householderswith a disability or long-term illness, people living alone or smokers.

The visits take just half an hour, during which time they will make sure youknow what to do in order to reduce or prevent fire risks and help you puttogether an escape plan in case a fire breaks out in the future. They willcheck you have a working smoke alarm and if you don't, they can fit a freesmoke alarm.

To check eligibility and arrange for a free home fire safety check, searchonline for ‘Cornwall Fire Safety Check’or call 0800 3581 999

Fire Safety

INFORMATION

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headache,feeling sick (nausea) anddizziness,you may also feel tired andconfused, andsome people are sick (vomit)and have abdominal pain.

confusion,loss of memory, andproblems with co-ordination.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is acolourless, odourless, tasteless,poisonous gas produced byincomplete burning of carbon-based fuels including gas, oil,wood and coal. Sources caninclude cookers, heaters andfireplaces.

You can’t see it, taste it nor smellit, but CO can kill quickly withoutwarning.

Early symptoms of CO poisoningcan mimic many common ailmentsand may easily be confused withfood poisoning, viral infections, fluor simple tiredness. However,unlike flu, CO poisoning does notcause a high temperature.

Symptoms include:

Symptoms that may come on laterinclude:

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

INFORMATION

Keep chimney flues free fromblockages.Ensure your home has enoughventilation and airbricks are notblocked.Fit a CO alarm.

Stop using all appliances, switchthem off, and open doors andwindows to ventilate theproperty.Do not smoke or use nakedflames.Evacuate the propertyimmediately. Stay calm.Call the National Gridemergency number: 0800 111999 to report the incident.Seek immediate medical helpand advice if you think you havebeen exposed to carbonmonoxide. Diagnosing carbonmonoxide poisoning is not easybecause it simulates many otherconditions, so do say what youthink is wrong. Ask for either ablood and/or breath sample tobe taken without delay, as yourbody's carbon monoxide levelwill reduce the longer you areaway from the contaminatedenvironment, making it harder todetect.

How to prevent CO poisoningMake sure all appliances areinstalled and maintained by aprofessional. This will also helpthem to run efficiently.

What to do if your CO alarmsounds or you suspect a leak

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LEASE are a government-funded, national independent advisory service forpark home residents and residential leaseholders. All of their advisors arelegally qualified.

They can provide initial advice and guidance on residential park homes law,enabling you to make an informed decision as to what appropriate actionyou may need to take, if you experience an issue relating to your parkhome. They also offer advice on establishing a Qualifying Residents'Association (QRA).

If you need advice, their extensive website is a great place to start:parkhomes.lease-advice.org. If you still need advice, you can get specificadvice from their experienced advisors by contactingfreephone 0808 196 2212.

They provide free advice on residential and park homes and leasehold law.They are an independent body and only advise leaseholders and parkhome owners.

LEASE Park Home Advisory Service

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS& KEEP INFORMED

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Cornwall Council is encouraging residents living on park homes sites acrossthe Duchy to set up a Qualifying Residents' Association (QRA). If there is noQRA on your site already, please see contact information below.

To help them maintain their park homes residents database, CornwallCouncil are also asking park home residents to get in touch and provide theircontact details to receive information about matters relating to living on a parkhome site.

Contact Cornwall Council’s Park Home Resident Enquiries teamon 0300 1234 212 (choose option for park home residents)or email ParkHomeResidents@cornwall.gov.uk

For more information on QRAs, see section on the LEASE Park HomeAdvisory Service which is the government-funded, national independentadvice for park home residents and residential leaseholders.

People Power

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS& KEEP INFORMED

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CONTACTS

WARM HOME DISCOUNT: Community Energy Plus 0800 954 1956

TARIFF SWITCHING: Energy Helpline 0800 804 7247

WATER BILLS: South West Water 0344 346 1010

LEASE Park Home Advisory Service 0808 196 2212

Cornwall Council's Park Home Resident Enquiries team: 0300 1234 212

MORE MONEY FOR YOU

PENSION CREDIT: Pension Credit Service 0800 99 1234

COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT: Cornwall Council 0300 1234 121

HOUSING BENEFIT: Cornwall Council 0300 1234 121

CARERS ALLOWANCE: 0800 731 0297

PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT (PIP): DWP 0800 917 2222

ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE: Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602

ASSISTED LIVING SERVICE: 0300 7900 603

HOME ADAPTATIONS: Cornwall Council Home Solutions team 01872 224707

MONEY MANAGEMENT:

Citizens Advice Cornwall 0800 144 8848

MoneyHelper 0800 138 7777

Western Power Distribution Priority Services Register:Community Energy Plus 0800 954 1956

South West Water Priority Services Register: 0344 346 1010

Wales & West Utilities Priority Services Register: 02920 278558

Cornwall Fire, Rescue & Community Safety Service: 0800 3581 999

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

INFORMATION

KEEP INFORMED

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Step Change 0800 138 1111

Kernow Credit Union 01209 314449

Freephone 0800 954 1956

advice@cep.org.uk

www.cep.org.uk

Please keep this bookletfor your reference.

Sustainably printed in Cornwall

We're Cornwall's energy advice charity and here to helphouseholders in Cornwall stay warm and healthy intheir homes. Our friendly advisors are on hand to help.Just give us a call or drop us a line.

If a friend or neighbour would benefitfrom our advice, please let us know.

This project is funded through the Energy IndustryVoluntary Redress Scheme www.energyredress.org.uk