Retrofit VCMA Scheme
Groundwork Yorkshire’s Retrofit team work in partnership with Northern Gas Networks on The Vulnerability & Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) scheme. This funding from OFGEM is distributed to the Gas District Network operators to support people in need of gas repairs and installs.
As a partner in the programme, Groundwork Yorkshire triage referrals from Northern Gas Networks where an engineer has attended due to a gas leak. The immediate resolution is for the engineer to cut the gas to stop any danger. The fund allows Groundwork Yorkshire to arrange a service, repair or even replacement of appliances to get the gas back on, especially for vulnerable residents where sorting this issue might not be appropriate or even financially viable.
The nature of referrals’ triage must happen quickly, due to people being cut off from their gas supply. People are often in no heat situations, with no facilities to cook or use hot water. Once Groundwork Yorkshire has ‘approved’ the resident in line with funding eligibility, their details get passed to Groundwork Yorkshire’s contractor to arrange a scoping visit.
Once a scoping visit has been done, all proposed works are approved by Groundwork Yorkshire and Northern Gas Networks. The contractor will then revisit the client, fix any issues and reconnect their gas supply. It’s also import to reduce the risk of Carbon Monoxide, ensuring a safe living environment.
The Retrofit team will then complete a routine visit once the gas is reconnected, for energy efficiency advice, income maximisation and small measure improvements.
When dealing with what can be complex cases of supply and improvement, it’s easy to lose sight of the real reason why this project is so important; the impact on the people we deliver the service for. These clients from Bradford recently received help from the service:
“My wife and I have recently benefited from a new boiler installation provided by Groundwork and project managed by Preferred Management Solutions. Due to the complex nature of our gas supply it was a less than simple process but the diligence and hard work of the people involved made for a brilliantly efficient outcome. In particular we would like to thank Liam from PMS who provided us with the highest level of customer care. Not only did he keep us informed of the work schedules but he also liaised with Northern Gas Networks to resolve the issues with the access to our gas supply and report back to us with updates. He never once failed to call at a prearranged time and was with us every step of the way. A truly outstanding young man and a credit to your organisation. We would like to thank you and your excellent people for a truly first class service which has provided us and our profoundly disabled son with a comfortable and warm home.”
