How To Save On Your Energy Bills

Energy prices are going up again and despite the new energy cap its still making it life hard for all of us. Its also no surprise energy bills go up just as it starts to get colder. 

So What’s On In My Town has done some research on ways to cut your energy bills. A lot of it is really simple actions we can all do. Ok saving £50 a year here and £70 there doesn’t sound a lot but it all adds up. Plus when reducing your energy consumption you are also helping to save the plant.   

In this article  we are only looking at Gas and Electricity. There are plenty of  long term solutions such us switching to alternative energy, making sure your home is well insulated, fitting a new boiler etc. These are all worth doing but we are looking at what you can start doing today to start cutting your energy bill. We hope this gives you a few ideas.

GAS

For most households, central heating is responsible for more than half of your energy bill each year so in this section we will be looking at cutting back on your heating costs.

      1. Lower your thermostat, According to Moneysavingexpert.com, for each degree you cut the thermostat you can expect to cut your energy bills by around four per cent. That’s about £65 a year on average for a typical home. The World health Organisation recommend 18 degrees is enough for healthy adults, with slightly higher temperatures needed for the very old or young.

      2. If you are cold indoors, If you have done step 1 I have to state the obvious but pop on a jumper don’t turn up the heating. It works out a lot more cost effective.

      3. Lower your water temperature, turning down the thermostat is what most people think to do but lowering the water temperature people forget. Most boilers or water heaters have the option to lower the temperature of the hot water that comes out of your taps and shower heads. If you’re finding the water that comes out of it too hot to touch, you’re likely to be wasting gas which means you are also wasting money, so try turning it down a few degrees until you reach the right temperature. Making sure your domestic hot water cylinder thermostat is set at 60-65ºC. This helps to kills germs in the water.

      4. Check your timings, when you set your heating to come on and off are the times correct?  Will there be anyone in to benefit from you heating the house?. By checking your timings any reduction will save you money.

      5. Take shorter showers, it’s great to have a lovey warm shower, but did you know  taking just a 4 min shower you could be saving on average annually over £70 according to the BBC News

      6. Give your radiators space, what we mean by this is make sure your radiators have space to let the heat out. By moving furniture or any obstructions away from them will help the heat circulate better and make your home warmer. 

Other ways you can keep your home warm in the winter are check for draughts and use draught excluders , Keep your curtains closed at night when its cold and open when the sun is shining.  If you have any ideas please leave them in the comments below. 

Electricity 

Saving on your electric bill, for most, is the easier of the 2 energies. Really simple actions can save you pounds in the short term and the year. In this section we will look at a few of these.

      1. Turn off unwanted lights, If you don’t need a light on turn it off. If you are not in a room turn the light off. Lighting makes up 11% of the average UK home’s electricity consumption according to Which Magazine 

      2. Change your light bulbs, A LED or CFL bulbs uses between 70%-90% less energy then a normal bulb and last longer. LED are dearer but last twice as long as a CFL and uses the least amount of energy.

      3. Switch of your appliances, We all do it when we go to bed we use the remote to turn the telly off BUT its not off its on stand-by and still using energy same with microwaves and other appliances that have clocks digital clocks. Ask yourself do you need that clock on?

      4. Charging your phones, tablets and laptops when needed, again we have all got into the habit of plugging them in and just leaving them to charge but do you ever unplug them as soon as they are at 100%? If like me no. Not only are you wasting energy but damaging the battery.

      5. Boil only the water you need for your coffee/tea, One of the most energy consuming gadgets we have is an electric kettle. The longer it takes to boil the more it is charging your electric bill. Only add the correct amount of water for what you need. Don’t fill the kettle up for one cup of coffee/tea.

      6. Washing Machine, Tumble dryer and Dishwasher, Avoid using a tumble dryer where possible and hang out your washing to dry if you can. Also only use your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full. It works out cheaper to do one big wash then loads of small washes. 

Of cause these are just a few ideas we have found online. You just need to stop and think how you use your energy.  If you have any saving tips please post in the comments below.

We hope this helps you and we know not everything is possible. If you are struggling to pay your bills speak to your energy supplier ASAP they may be able to help. Also contact your local Citizen Advice  who will have information about what financial help is available.

Finally here is a short film from the BBC News with more great advice to help save you money on your energy bills.

 

Disclaimer: The information we have provided above is a guide only. We don’t guarantee how much anyone will be able to save or guarantee any savings. 

Funding Agreed to Boost Housing Support in Mole Valley

Funding has been made available in partnership with Transform Housing to help purchase two one-bedroom flats in Mole Valley for people who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness.

 The purchase of the two one-bedroom flats in Mole Valley forms part of a wider East Surrey bid with three other local authorities: Tandridge District Council and Epsom & Ewell and Reigate & Banstead Borough Councils. The bid, together with financial support from Transform Housing, was made to Homes England under the Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) awarded a Housing Capital Grant Allocation of £136,000 towards the bid. A further £163,000 from Transform Housing and £245,000 from Homes England made up the total scheme cost of £544,000 for the two one-bedroom flats.

This most recent investment by MVDC is in line with its commitment to enable the development and acquisition of affordable homes under its Affordable Housing Strategy 2020 – 2025. The units will follow the ‘Housing First’ model of provision, where self-contained accommodation and comprehensive support packages enable people who have been homeless or at risk of homelessness to have the opportunity to access their own homes.

Councillor Caroline Salmon, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Transform Housing do fantastic work turning round the lives of our homeless and vulnerable residents. Working with other funders, we have been able to assist them to secure two additional units of accommodation, which they will use to further develop their fantastic work. These units will combine extra provision of self-contained accommodation with a comprehensive support pack in line with the Housing First model of provision for those individuals in housing need.”

Installation of Covid-19 Memorial Benches

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is installing 14 memorial benches across the Borough to commemorate all the lives lost in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Metal benches have been placed at Alexandra Recreation Ground, Long Grove Park, Nonsuch Park, Shadbolt Park, Stoneleigh Broadway and The Grove in Ewell Village.

More metal benches are in the process of being installed at Auriol Park, Ewell Court Park, Mounthill Gardens and The Wells Centre.

Wooden benches will also be placed at Epsom Common, Grandstand Road, Horton Country Park and Hogsmill by the stepping stones at a later date. Flowers will also be planted around the benches where appropriate.

Funding for the benches was provided via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Councillor Hannah Dalton, who put forward the CIL bid, said, “The past two years have been extremely hard for everyone in the borough, but more so for those who have lost loved ones. These benches are our permanent memorial to all those affected by the pandemic.

“I hope they will bring comfort to grieving families, ensuring that their loved one will always have a place in and be remembered by our community.”

Councillor John Beckett, Chair of Environment and Safe Communities Committee, added, “While these benches memorialise the pandemic, they also represent a time for reflection within the Borough. I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to those we have lost, than to have something to remind us and generations to come.”

 

Message From Chris Grayling MP

Dear constituent

I am writing to you with an update on some local issues.

Energy Bill Relief Scheme

Firstly I have further information for those of you involved in business or voluntary sector groups concerning the energy price issue, which I know has been a matter of great concern to many of you.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme will provide protections for all businesses, voluntary sector and public sector organisations in Great Britain which face excessively high energy bills over the winter period, whether they are on existing fixed price contracts agreed on or after 1 April 2022, signing new fixed price contracts, variable or deemed tariffs or flexible purchase contracts To administer support, the Government has set a Supported Wholesale Price – expected to be £211 per MWh for electricity and £75 per MWh for gas, less than half the wholesale prices anticipated this winter – which is a discounted price per unit of gas and electricity.. Suppliers will pass the reduction in the wholesale price through to their customers.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme will run initially for 6 months covering energy use from 1 October 2022 until 31 March 2023. I expect further support after that depending on circumstances.

Epsom Business Awards

This year’s Epsom Business Awards are now under way and open for entries. The awards are now in their eleventh year and are intended to recognise businesses which provide an excellent service to their customers or who do good work in the community. You may have seen the stickers for past winners and runners up in the windows of local shops and other businesses.

Please do join in the awards and nominate your favourite local business – or if you are a business, ask your loyal customers to do so. You can find all the details of how to enter at https://epsombusinessawards.co.uk

Closing date is 30th September 2022  with the awards being presented in November each year. Please do join in and make your favourite business a winner.

Charities Fair

I have now got a new date for the Charity Volunteer Fair which was postponed because of the sad death of Her Majesty the Queen. It will be held between 4pm and 6.30pm on Friday 21st October at the Dell Centre, St Giles Church, Park Lane, Ashtead.

More than 20 charities will be there, and there will be a wide range of volunteering opportunities. So please do put it in the diary and come along. If you can’t make it but are interested in volunteering please let me know and I will steer you towards the right opportunities.

Legal Professional Volunteering Opportunity

If you are looking for volunteering opportunities and are a retired legal professional or one with some extra spare time, Citizens Advice in Epsom are looking for someone who can help co-ordinate pro bono work with a small group of firms who are offering help to its customers.

They estimate the role will require no more than 3 hours per week but this is flexible. If you are interested, there is more information here

Vaccination Programmes

I have been asked what is happening about flu and covid jabs this autumn. The vaccination programmes have started, but as with the pandemic the early vaccinations are being concentrated on the oldest patients. Those over 65 should hear from their practices soon, if they have not already.

Best wishes
Chris Grayling

You Can Contact Chris by:
Email: [email protected]
Constituency Office: 01372 271 036
Address: 212 Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2DB

Epsom and Ewell Both Win Silver In Bloom

Epsom and Ewell Win Silver Awards At South & South East In Bloom

Epsom and Ewell have both won silver in the annual South & South East in Bloom competition. Stoneleigh was awarded a commendation in this year’s competition.

This is the first year that Ewell has taken part in the competition and the second consecutive year that Epsom has won an award. Last year Epsom town centre entered for the first time and won a silver award.

Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Environment and Safe Communities Committee, said “It has been an absolute joy to see the contributions to this year’s Epsom & Ewell in Bloom. We’re over the moon that both Epsom and Ewell have won silver awards, Epsom for the second year running.

“I extend my sincere thanks to all the residents, volunteer groups, schools and businesses who made this year’s Epsom and Ewell in Bloom such a huge success.

Ewell Village saw ‘blooming’ themed windows in shops along the high street and beautifully knitted floral decorations, created by the Ewell Yarn Bombers, on post boxes.

Ewell Castle School re-used wellies to create fabulous displays and St Mary’s Church in Ewell produced stunning floral displays.

Volunteers populated cast iron troughs with flowers creating welcome splashes of colour in Epsom town centre, planted bulbs on street verges, and have been helping to keep displays watered over the summer.

Jubilee themed planting schemes in Rosebery Park, depicting a crown and a colourful feature bed, were planted by U3A volunteers. 

Plans are already being formulated for Epsom and Ewell to take part in South & South East in Bloom next year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is committed to ensuring our Borough is the best it can be for the local community, for visitors and for wildlife, all year round”.

Thanks To Go Epsom new planters were added to Epsom Square and an amazing mural of Wild Flowers was created along the wall of Pure Gym adding more colour to the High St.

Karen Pengelly, Business Improvement District (BID) Manager (Go Epsom) said “it’s been a busy year organising Jubilee and Family Friday events as well as supporting our fantastic businesses.

So I just like to say a big Thank You to all our businesses who have adopted a planter and the wonderful volunteers who have helped us. Without there help we wouldn’t have won this award. We are looking forward to going for Gold in 2023 and we already have a planting day planned for Sunday 30th Oct.”

UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Grant Scheme

At its meeting on 26 September 2022, the Cabinet will consider a grant scheme that would enable Mole Valley District Council to allocate the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding to successful projects that ‘build pride of place and increase life chances’ over the next three years.

 As part of its Levelling Up agenda, the government has set aside the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), totalling £2.6 billion, to be distributed amongst local authorities across the country. Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) has been given an indicative allocation of £1million, which would be split across the next three financial years and need to be spent by March 2025. In July, MVDC agreed an investment plan for consideration by the government and to add the first year’s allocation of UKSPF funding – expected to be a little over £50,000 and received in or around October – to its 2022/23 budget.

Once the government agrees MVDC’s investment plan, and the first year’s allocation of UKSPF funding be allocated, the next step would see MVDC establish a grant scheme, called the Community Capacity Building and Infrastructure Support Grant Scheme. The aim of the scheme (as defined by the UKSPF) is to build capacity to deliver social action projects and/or carry out works to improve community infrastructure which helps build pride in place and/or increase life chances. The scheme would be open for applications between 30 October and 11 December 2022. Charities, voluntary, community and not-for-profit groups will be eligible to apply for the funding.

Cllr Bridget KendrickCouncillor Bridget Kendrick, Deputy Leader of MVDC, said: “While it has yet to be absolutely confirmed that we will be receiving our allocation of the UKSPF, it is only right that we begin to put plans in place for the next steps in this process. The prospect of financial support available to our local communities in years to come is very encouraging, particularly when you consider funding available via our Neighbourhood Fund too. The UKPSF is focused on projects that benefit the wellbeing of our residents, including anything from improving digital connectivity to enhancing local arts, cultural heritage and creative ideas. We will provide more information on the application process via our promotional channels when everything is confirmed.”

Sgt Josef František Memorial

On Sunday 4th Sept a memorial to Battle of Britain ace Sgt Josef František was unveiled in Priest Hill Nature Reserve, Ewell, Surrey.

Dignitaries from Poland, Czech, Slovak and family and friends came to Surrey Wildlife Trust in Ewell Surrey to pay tribute and remember one of the greatest ace’s from the Battle of Britain Sgt Josef František near to the location where his Hurricane crashed on 8th October 1940 just a day after his 26th birthday. 

Sgt František was born on 7th October 1914 in Otaslavice in Moravia, In 1934 he joined the Czechoslovak Air Force. In 1935 he was a corporal in 1st Air Regiment. In 1936 he completed training and was posted to the 2nd Air Regiment. By 1937 he was a sergeant.

František got into trouble for fighting, returning late to his unit, and other breaches of discipline. He could have been dishonourably discharged, but he showed exceptional promise as a pilot, so he was sent to the 4th Air Regiment to train as a fighter pilot. In June 1938 he became a fighter pilot with the 40th Fighter Flight here he developed his flying and combat skills.

When Germany occupied his homeland on 15 March 1939 and dissolve its armed forces František like many other Czechoslovak fled to Poland where he joined the Polish Air Force. On 1 Sept 1939 Germany invaded Poland, and on the morning of 2 Sept a Luftwaffe air raid destroyed Dęblin airbase. František’s unit evacuated its surviving aircraft to Góra Puławska, further to the southeast. On one patrol from Góra Puławska a fellow Czechoslovak pilot, Zdeněk Škavarda, was flying and ran out of fuel, made a forced landing near German lines and was at risk of capture. František landed nearby and rescued him.

With Germany’s advance through Europe František fled to Britain and after training on 2 August was assigned to Polish No. 303 Squadron based at RAF Northolt, flying Hawker Hurricane fighters.

303 squadron entered in the last phase of the Battle of Britain. František’s first confirmed victory was shooting down a Messerschmitt Bf 109E fighter on 2 September 1940. Between 2nd and 30th September he shot down 17 German aircraft and 1 probable, including nine Bf 109 fighters, six Heinkel He 111 bombers and one Junkers Ju 88 bomber. This made him one of the top scoring Allied fighter pilots of the Battle of Britain and on 20th September, King George VI decorated him with the Distinguished Flying Medal. A bar was later added to his DFM. František was the first non-British pilot to have a bar added to his Distinguished Flying Medal. His final confirmed victory was a Bf 109 near Brooklands in Surrey on 30th September 1940.

On 8th October 1940, František’s Hurricane crashed in Ewell, Surrey, on return from a patrol. The cause is still unknown.

The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee working with Surrey Wildlife Trust set out to place a permanent memorial to Sgt Josef František near the site where his plane crashed and where he died. 

After Igor Frye, Josef great nephew, unveiled the memorial it was blessed by Fr Stephen O’Brien of St Joseph’s Church, Epsom. With the first wreath being laid by the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell Cllr Clive Woodbridge. This was followed by representatives from Polish Embassy, Deputy Ambassadors of Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, Air Vice Marshall Maddison RAF, Polish Air Force Committee, Mr Frye, Brigadier General Cur Polish Air Force and finally the daughter of 303 Sq Commander Sq/Ldr Kellett.

The last post was played with a minute silence then members of the public gathered were invited to lay wreaths. The service ended with cadets from the Polish Air Force singing the Polish Air Force March. Shortly after and unplanned a small group of family and friends of Josef gathered around the memorial to sin the Czech national anthem which was very moving for all. 

A simple but very meaningful service set in the peaceful Priest Hill Nature Reserve with views towards London a perfect and fitting tribute to one of the few who gave so much in that Summer of 1940 

For location of the memorial see image below. There are no car parks in the area but there are man made pathways around the reserve for easy access. 

Click Here 👉 Wikipedia to read more about Sgt Josef František.