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Prepare your
home ahead of energy price hikes
WITH energy prices
predicted to rise once again this winter, RICS (Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors) is urging homeowners in the North West to make
sure they have the necessary energy efficient measures in place to
keep bills down to a minimum.
RICS say there has been a significant focus in recent years on
ensuring new build homes in the region are energy efficient.
However, a large chunk of the existing, older housing stock; much
of which dates from the first half of the 20th Century; remains
highly energy inefficient.
The organisation; which has a Royal Charter that obliges it to act
in the public interest; says simple measures, such as adequate wall
and loft insulation and draught-proofing are cost effective and can
significantly reduce energy bills whilst keeping homes warm.
Chartered Surveyor, Graham Ellis, RICS Associate Director
Residential says:- "A third of the heat in an un-insulated
home is lost through the walls and a property which has cavity walls
with little or no insulation can cost an extra £140[1] to run each
year.
Homes that were built from 1920 onwards will more than likely have
cavity walls and those with hard-to-treat cavity walls may qualify
for free insulation under the government's Energy Companies
Obligation (ECO) scheme, so it's worth checking out the state of
play."
ECO was introduced earlier this year to help reduce the UK's energy
consumption and support people living in fuel poverty by providing
among other measures, insulation and heating packages to low income
and vulnerable households. It is funded by energy suppliers
obligated under the scheme to subsidise the initiative.
Some householders may also be able to get their loft insulated under
the ECO scheme, which Graham says is worthwhile as loft insulation
can play a big part in stopping heat escaping:- "The thickness
of loft insulation plays an important role, but it's easy to top up
if there's some there, but not enough. 270mm is the recommended depth
and to give you an idea of the cost savings, topping up from 100mm
to 270mm can save around £30 to £40 a year on heating bills, which
might not sound a lot, but it's certainly better in your pocket.
Outside of ECO other measures such as double glazed windows can save
you up to £165 annually whilst
draught proofing can reduce energy bills by up to £55 a year
and better yet, there are lots of DIY draught proofing options
available such as skirting and various draught excluder tapes which
are easy to apply. It's worth investing in energy saving light bulbs
too as they can use up to 80% less electriCity than a standard bulb,
while still producing the same amount of light! Many people think that energy efficiency
measures are expensive, but many aren't and when you consider the
cost of rising energy prices and bills every year, it's worth the
spend as you will soon get your money back and begin saving some
along the way."
The Energy Saving Advice Service provides free and impartial
information about eligibility and access to ECO as well as other
types of energy saving support available
online.
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OUTFIT in
Southport get in the Christmas spirit for the NSPCC
OUTFIT in Southport are
gearing themselves up to fundraise in aid of chosen Christmas
children's charity, the NSPCC.
Fundraising will take place in all stores from mid-November and
continue throughout December. OUTFIT will be selling exclusive
Christmas table mats, decorations and postcards with all profits
going to the NSPCC.
NSPCC Fundraising Account Manager, Alison Roberts said:- "We
are really excited to be working with OUTFIT this Christmas, staff
will be helping us raise money for the NSPCC so that we can help
children in our area that need our support. The stores are raring to
go and will be a great place to visit this December."
OUTFIT Marketing Manager Charlotte Perini said:- "All our
stores are really excited about fundraising for the NSPCC this
Christmas and we hope to raise vital funds for their services.
Customers will be in for a real treat so please do visit your local
store".
OUTFIT's fundraising activity will help raise money to support the
NSPCCs services across the UK. It could pay for more ChildLine
counsellors to answer contacts from children by phone and online;
help the NSPCC answer more calls from adults with concerns about a
child; and enable the charity to develop innovative and pioneering
services for children who have suffered abuse and harm.
For further ways of supporting the NSPCC locally, please visit:-
nspcc.org.uk.
Public welcome
at Trust board meeting
SOUTHPORT and Ormskirk
Hospital NHS Trust will hold its next board meeting on Wednesday, 27
November 2013, from 9am.
The meeting will be in the Board Room in the Corporate Management
Office at Southport and Formby District General Hospital.
Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe the meeting.
Anyone with a special requirement should contact the Trust in
advance on:- 01704 704714.
The agenda will be available on the Trust website in advance of the
meeting. Supporting papers will be available on the day.
Former TV chef
fined for ignoring trading ban
A former TV chef from Lancashire, who received
an MBE in 2009 for services to catering, has been ordered to pay
£10,052 for ignoring a trading ban.
Paul Heathcote, from Preston, had been warned by HM Revenue and
Customs (HMRC) that unless he put up a cash security to safeguard
payment of VAT, he could no longer supply taxable goods or services
at his PH restaurants in Preston and Longridge. However, he
continued to trade for more than 3 months after the ban was imposed.
Colin Spinks, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC,
said:- "Mr Heathcote was given numerous opportunities to
continue trading legitimately, but he chose to flout the law. We
will take action to ensure the correct tax is paid and investigate
those who are subject to a trading ban because they owe VAT."
Heathcote came to the attention of HMRC when his previous company,
The Longridge Restaurant, de-registered for VAT in 2011 owing almost
£100,000 in unpaid taxes. On the same day he registered 2 new
companies, PH Restaurants (Longridge) Ltd and PH Restaurants
(Preston) Ltd.
As the new companies posed a potential risk, Heathcote was told to
pay a VAT security of £72,190 or stop trading. Despite written
notices telling him the terms of the security requirement, both
restaurants continued to trade illegally.
Heathcote faced 30 charges under the VAT Act, and was fined £3,000
and ordered to pay £7,052 in compensation to HMRC. He subsequently
paid the £25,018 security required for the Preston restaurant. |
