A TEAM of advisors who helped Middlesbrough residents manage their bills and access benefits have been recognised for their excellent work.
The Know Your Money (KYM) team is based in Corporation Road and has been a vital partner in delivering the Government-backed Big Energy Saving Network project which ended at the end of March this year.
Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald and Councillor Julia Rostron, Chair of Middlesbrough Environment City, visited the team to commend them for their achievements.
Over the six months of the initiative, Middlesbrough Environment City and the partner agencies helped nearly 400 vulnerable householders with their energy and utility bills, aiming to secure them lower tariffs.
Some of those who engaged with the project were also able to obtain 100% free grant aid for home insulation and replacement central heating.
As part of the project some 60 partner agency frontline staff also attended a Big Energy Saving Network training session to enable them to identify and pass on information to vulnerable householders that they encounter in their everyday employment.
Middlesbrough Environment City Warmer Homes Project Officer Dennis Reeves said: “Recent times have seen household budgets under unprecedented pressure, so timely help and advice can mean the difference between having a warm home or having to endure the cold.
“It is so easy to switch and to obtain a much cheaper tariff and urge as many householders as possible to check with the various power company providers.
The savings achieved on energy is more important than ever, as they help reduce fuel poverty in the area, the carbon footprint and household bills.
Cllr Rostron said: “The BESN project and the brilliant KYM advisors have made a real difference with their achievements and fully deserve to be recognised.”