Warm and Safe Homes in Fishwick
In 2013 around 360 households in Fishwick had external wall insulation put on their homes. This was part of a national energy efficiency scheme that should have made homes easier and cheaper to keep warm, but for many households the choice of measures and quality of work was poor and properties developed severe damp and mould.
Although over 60 properties had work done to put problems right many others have had to live with the consequences. A scheme that should have helped people has left some of them worse off. We do not think that is right. We know that, done well, insulation makes homes warmer, healthier, and affordable and we have funding available to put right failed insulation in some of the affected households in Fishwick. We will now work with the people in Fishwick to design a project that avoids the mistakes of the past.
We know that we cannot solve all the problems caused in 2013, but we hope to make things better for some of the worst affected households.
Project principles
- We will help those in the greatest need first
- We will work with households to identify the right solutions for them
- We will be honest and open about what we can do and what we cannot do
- We will insist on exemplary work carried out to the highest standards
- We will share the lessons learned to benefit projects in other communities
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Project update
Since our involvement in the Fishwick community began in 2020, NEA has been working closely with residents to design a project that avoids the mistakes of the past. We’ve engaged with householders affected by failed insulation to rebuild trust and restore hope. The positive response we’ve received is encouraging, as it helps us better understand the needs of the households we aim to assist.
We were not involved in the original installations, but we do want to help householders who have been left in this situation through no fault of their own. Our fundraising has only enabled us to work on a small number of properties in Fishwick so far and we are trying to raise further funding. We need to know the total number of properties affected and how much work still needs to be done. Phases 1 and 2 of the project, conducted between 2022 and 2024, are now complete. During this time, we repaired 45 homes, significantly improving the quality of life for their occupants.
NEA continues to provide a programme of advice, support, and training to Fishwick residents and organisations, focusing on energy efficiency. This includes a confidential service offering benefits, debt, and income advice. We are now evaluating the project’s outcomes, including the effectiveness of the measures taken, programme design, community engagement, and governance.
Surveying all properties
National Energy Action remains committed to supporting families in Fishwick and ultimately rectifying all homes affected by the failed external wall insulation. We are currently exploring future funding options to carry out this work, and for that, we need a full understanding of the number of homes that still require repair.
At the current time NEA is undertaking surveys across Fishwick to understand the scale of the remaining problem and the likely costs of putting every affected home right. Our building surveyors Aldrock would like to visit your property to understand if your property is one of those affected and if your home has any problems caused by the insulation. By allowing us access to your properties you will help us understand the nature of the ongoing issues householders currently face, which will allow us to seek further funding and repair more homes. If you have not had a survey yet, please ensure to contact our Resident and Community Liaison Officer, Taz Ali via his contact details below.
Please note that having a survey completed does not guarantee your property will have works done as the charity is still trying to source funding to complete the works.
How to get in touch
Our Resident and Community Liaison Officer, Taz Ali, is available to help and assist residents with further information about the project and NEA’s next steps. He can also provide advice and support with energy bills, making claims for benefits, fuel debt or energy efficiency advice.
Email: fishwick@nea.org.uk
Tel: 07541 100431
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Media enquiries
Email: Nina Dunlavy, Senior Communications Officer at NEA nina.dunlavy@nea.org.uk
Telephone: 07720 593541