County Durham scored six out of six on the basis that fuel poverty is reflected in a number of its key strategic documents and that its programme delivery reflects the good practice in the NICE guidance.

The board was praised for adopting innovative practice such as the methods it uses to target at risk households for fuel poverty interventions.

Cllr Lucy Hovvels, the council’s portfolio holder for adult and health services and chair of the board, said: “Since its inception the board has recognised the importance of fuel poverty and the impact living in a cold home can have on those with a health condition.

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