York residents can save on their gas and electricity bills

York residents have another chance to see if they can save money on their gas and electricity bills by joining The Big Community Energy Switch in partnership with City of York Council and iChoosr.

The scheme, which started in December 2013, has so far seen 744 residents join to save on average £169 on their bills. Even more residents will be able to save money as the latest switch has now opened for registrations until 12 October 2015.

Jacqui Warren, Sustainability Officer, said: “Joining the Big Community Energy Switch is a great way for residents to reduce the cost of their energy bills by a significant amount. As the scheme works on collective switching power I hope even more residents will join those who have already registered to help create even bigger savings for more people.”

How the big community switch works
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Unemployment level in York fairly stable – 0.7% now seeking work

Figures released today by the Office of National Statistics confirm that employment levels in York remain fairly stable.

976 people were seeking work and claiming Job Seekers Allowance/Unemployed Universal Credit at 9th July.
This represented 0.7% of the population.
Of the job seekers, 665 were men and 321 women.
The figures remain below the regional (2.4%) and national (1.9%) averages

Labour failed affordable homes target in three of its four years in power

The last Labour led Council failed to meet its target, of building 150 additional affordable homes per annum in York, on 3 of the 4 years that it held power.

The figures have recently been published on the Councils web site. Further information was provided in response to a Freedom of Information request

The one year (2011/12) when 151 homes were completed, owed much to the forward planning of the previous Liberal Democrat administration which had started work on providing additional Council houses in areas like the former Discus bungalow sites.

Only 50 homes were completed in 2013/14 – an all time low.

The Labour Council consistently refused to use the £15 million, held in housing reserves, to buy properties on the open market.

Until recently suitable properties were being advertised for less than £130,000 a unit.

Affordable housing – completions in York

.More detailed information can be found here

Ideas: Richard Lees

Date: Thur 13 Aug
Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Venue: Explore York Library
Cost: A donation of £2 per person to Explore is suggested

Interested in setting up a charity? International development? international volunteering opportunities?

Or would you just like to hear about Richard’s adventures so far?

Richard Lees was born and brought up in Bath. After graduating in Chemistry from the University of York Richard made the bold decision to move to India and form a charity.

In the five years since making that decision, Richard has founded and established the Goa Anglican Centre, a charity that works as a small team with a very practical faith and desire to bring relief to those most in need in Goa, India.

Richard has also founded Volunteering Goa Ltd, a UK based company that organises volunteering placements in orphanages in Goa, and Prutha, a Goa based website promoting positive change across the state.

Bookings can be made via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ideas-richard-lees-tickets-17845358949%20%20

For further information regarding the venue please contact York Library on 01904 552828 or on email at york@exploreyork.org.uk , https://www.exploreyork.org.uk/client/en_GB/default/?rm=WHAT%27S+ON0|||1|||1|||true