Warm Homes Taskforce - Durham University

Photograph looking down a row of terraced housing

A major new initiative—the North East Warm Homes Taskforce—was officially launched on 23 October to combat fuel poverty and improve housing quality across the region with DEI director, Simone Abram as one of it's members

The taskforce brings together local authorities, third-sector organisations, and industry leaders with a mission to develop and deliver a region-wide domestic retrofit strategy, targeting poor-quality housing—particularly in the private rented sector.

The Taskforce will focus on:

Building a robust evidence base to inform policy and measure impact.
Designing a scalable retrofit strategy for fuel-poor homes.
Engaging stakeholders and sharing best practices with national bodies like the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Supporting workforce development to meet retrofit demands.

A key priority is addressing the link between fuel poverty and child poverty, ensuring vulnerable families are not left behind. The Taskforce’s final report will shape a long-term strategy for warm, energy-efficient homes across the North East.

To read more about the taskforce click here

DEI Director, Simone Abram, joins the 'Warm Homes Taskforce'