FENLAND District Council has joined forces with British Gas to tackle household poverty head on. The scheme is part of a nationwide £150 million British Gas-led here to HELP initiative which aims to combat household poverty in half a million of Britain

FENLAND District Council has joined forces with British Gas to tackle household poverty head on.

The scheme is part of a nationwide £150 million British Gas-led 'here to HELP' initiative which aims to combat household poverty in half a million of Britain's homes as well as provide benefits of up to £2,000 per home.

It is the first project of its kind to be launched in Fenland and will focus on Council properties in March, Whittlesey, Chatteris and the surrounding villages.

Chosen properties have been surveyed and eligible tenants will receive a programme of energy improvement measures to their properties.

A 'benefits health check', which ensures people receive all benefits they are entitled, will also be offered. People may also be put in touch with the scheme's charity partners - the National Debtline, Help the Aged, RNIB, Save the Children, Scope, and Family Welfare Association.

Funding for the project will come from British Gas and Fenland Council.

Kit Owen, portfolio holder for housing, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with British Gas on such a worthwhile programme. The 'here to HELP' initiative has been successful in alleviating household poverty in other regions and we are confident that the scheme will bring great benefits to the tenants of this council.

Jane Poxon, who is spearheading the project for British Gas, said: "We are pleased Fenland District Council has joined our 'here to HELP' programme. This is a unique project that brings together private, public and voluntary sectors and we are certain it will bring many benefits to households in the area."

The here to HELP programme will be delivered on a local basis by the British Gas housing services. Further information on 'here to HELP' is available at www.house.co.uk/help