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Power for People – December 2022 Update

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Exciting news! – The Government’s Energy Bill has been revived and is now back in the House of Lords.

This means that the amendments that we had tabled to it, intended to unlock community energy across the UK, are back as well.

The amendments proposed would provide small-scale renewable energy generators with a guaranteed price for their electricity and allow them to sell that electricity locally. You can read more about them on our blog by clicking here.

Power for People have devised two amendments to the Government’s Energy Bill for consideration at Committee Stage (which commenced on 5th September). They take forward the ideas of the Local Electricity Bill, backed by 311 MPs of all major parties.

The amendments were tabled by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green) alongside Baroness Boycott (Crossbench), Lord Teverson (Liberal Democrat) and Baroness Young of Old Scone (Labour). Combined we believe they would go a long way in realising community energy’s huge potential.

We encourage Peers to please vote in favour.

 

MHA Communities – Warm Wednesdays in December

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We started a new service at West Croydon Methodist Church to bring a new initiative in the heart of Croydon.

During this challenging time of the year, it is important to broaden up our support to older people and to offer a safe space for conversation. We also invite local organisations to join us. In fact, Croydon Community Energy will join our December sessions to advice older people on bills and the current challenges we are all facing.

In January, we will be joined by Croydon Healthy Homes partnership, an energy advice service to advise people on bills.

We have planned a great surprise for the December sessions with music and lots of food. Come and celebrate Christmas with us and connect with new and old friends.

Trading Standards – Beware of Dangerous Christmas Lights Sold Online

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Which? Consumer magazine have published a report on unsafe Christmas Lights purchased from popular online retailers:

“Buying affordable Christmas lights might feel like a prudent financial move at such an expensive time of year. But 10 of the 12 sets of Christmas lights we bought from AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish failed to meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations in our tests and legally shouldn’t be sold in the UK.

Two sets of lights in particular would be dangerous for anyone using them. And one set of lights bought from a seller on Wish was so badly made that it posed an electric shock risk to anyone using it and was a fire hazard.
Another bought through AliExpress presented an electric shock risk to users based on its very poor build quality. And eight further sets of lights, including two each from Amazon and eBay, failed basic compliance checks, making it illegal to sell them in the UK.

Only two sets of lights, one bought from Amazon and one from eBay, passed all of our tests and are legal to be sold and safe to use.”

To continue reading the article, please follow the link below which identifies the items mentioned:

Beware illegal Christmas lights sold at AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish – Which?

How to know if your Christmas lights are dangerous 

  • Check your lights aren’t damaged when unpacking your decorations.
  • Look for things like loose wires, smashed bulbs or a broken control box.
  • If your lights need replacement bulbs, make sure you use the same type when you replace them.
  • Switch your lights off when you go out and when you go to bed.
  • Keep your lights away from anything that can burn easily.
  • If your lights look like they’ve seen better days, recycle them and buy a new set from an online or high street retailer you trust.

Please remember to report any scam to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.

If you have actually been the victim of a trader or scam such as the above and need help, or you require consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133

NHS Croydon Health Services – Continuing our Care During Strike Days

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A number of trade unions have announced national strikes in the run-up to Christmas in the ongoing pay dispute with the government. We recognise the rights of staff to strike, however the majority of union members did not vote for industrial action at our Trust in Croydon.

Our services will be running as normal during strike days, and we would encourage patients to attend their planned appointments, unless we have contacted you to reschedule.

It is really important that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases, when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

We would ask people to only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency, when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

If you feel unwell or need advice please go to 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111, free from any landline or mobile, so that trained advisors can help you get the care you need quickly.

For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.

For more information: https://www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk/trust-news/continuing-our-care-during-strike-days-4525