I am writing to you to ask for your help with a new local initiative that I have been working on with Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, the local branch of Citizens Advice and Good Company which runs five food bank centres in Epsom and the surrounding area. 

The current energy crisis is putting huge pressures on many people locally.  Although prices are being frozen for the next two years, and every household will receive a £400 discount on their energy bills this winter, paid over a six month period, many households are still struggling with the increases that have already taken place.

Part of the solution to the crisis is to improve energy efficiency for those who are struggling to pay their bills. But all too often people either do not know what solutions are available or cannot afford them or both.

The Epsom and Ewell Energy Support Scheme is a plan to offer those running into difficulties immediate help with their bills, and then advice and financial support to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption in their homes and so reduce bills going forward. This might include buying a more efficient appliance for them or helping with improved insulation.

To help support this programme we are asking local households who have less difficulty paying for these higher energy bills to donate their £400 support payments to the fund so that it can be used to help reduce the bills of those who are struggling. If you are able to do this, we would be very grateful, and all other donations are of course also very welcome.

As I said, the Scheme is being run jointly by the Good Company, which runs the local food bank, and Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell helped by local Churches. It will offer both advice sessions to help those who are not sure how to improve their energy efficiency as well as assistance paying for improvements.

If you can help, I would be very grateful.

To make a donation, please visit our donations page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/epsom-ewell-energy-support-scheme  

If you would like any further information, please drop me an email.

I hope you will be able to support this programme.

With best wishes

Chris Grayling