A report by Helen Miller, Household Expenditure Project Officer, considering ways to increase the take up of the Collective Switching Service called the Big Maidstone Switch.

Helen Miller, Household Expenditure Project Officer introduced the report on the update on collective switching campaigns which outlined the benefits to residents. These included year on year savings. The benefit of the scheme to the Council was in its ability to be in a position to help residents.  The £5 referral fee was spent on promoting and marketing the scheme making the scheme cost neutral.

In response to Member’s questions it was confirmed that other collective switching services did not provide a supportive service to clients, other than AGE UK. In addition Council residents were also able to phone and come into the Gateway for an offline service.

It was also clarified that the Council used one provider (ichoser) on behalf of residents and was not choosing an energy company on behalf of residents.

RESOLVED: that the recommendations set out in 1.3.10 of the report to increase take up in subsequent schemes be agreed.