Thirsk and Malton Area Committee – 26 September 2025
Briefing Note: Healthy and Sustainable Homes Team
The Healthy and Sustainable Homes Team plays a vital role in supporting residents across North Yorkshire to live in warmer, healthier homes while reducing energy costs and carbon emissions. Their work contributes directly to council priorities around health, sustainability, and community resilience and is particularly relevant to councillors seeking to support vulnerable constituents and promote local climate action.
At the heart of the team’s delivery is the Choices4Energy (C4E) programme - a free, impartial energy advice service available to all residents. Through C4E, residents can access tailored support to reduce energy bills, improve home comfort and secure funding for energy efficiency improvements. Advice is delivered via home visits, telephone consultations and community events, ensuring accessibility across urban and rural communities.
The programme offers guidance on schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, Priority Services Register and Warm Spaces. It also provides practical tips for saving energy and water, helping residents make informed choices about their consumption. Importantly, the team helps residents navigate funding opportunities, including the Warm Homes Local Grant for energy upgrades (solar, air source heating, insulation etc) and gas safety repair funding. Additional small grants from charities and local schemes are also signposted.
One of the standout initiatives is the council’s partnership with iChoosr to deliver a collective energy switching scheme. This community group buying model allows residents to join energy auctions and receive personalised offers for 100% renewable electricity. There is no obligation to switch, and C4E advisors, along with iChoosr, provide support throughout the process.
Strategically, the team is focused on empowering residents, maximising funding streams and strengthening partnerships with the voluntary sector, health services and community organisations. Their work helps tackle fuel poverty, contributes to carbon reduction targets and enhances community engagement.
Service Contact:
Annabelle Young annabelle.young@northyorks.gov.uk