During the reporting period, the CIC responded to key issues identified within the local community relating to fuel poverty, the cost of living, and access to essential support services. A community survey conducted between November 2024 and 2025 identified several significant concerns among local residents. The most frequently reported issues were the rising cost of keeping homes warm during the winter months, the affordability of food and other essential household items, and a lack of awareness of available support services. In response to these findings, the CIC produced and distributed a series of practical information factsheets. These included guidance on affordable and cost-effective ways to keep homes warm during winter, covering both low-cost home improvements and energy-saving measures that residents could implement to improve warmth and reduce household energy costs. The CIC also developed a comprehensive local support services factsheet, providing information on food banks, community organisations, and other services offering assistance with food, daily living needs, and financial hardship. This resource helped residents identify and access appropriate support within the local area. These activities contributed to improving community awareness, reducing the impact of fuel poverty, and helping vulnerable residents access essential support during a period of increased financial pressure.

The CIC's stakeholders are local residents and community members living within the Luton area, particularly those affected by the rising cost of living, fuel poverty, and financial hardship. During the reporting period, the directors and volunteers engaged directly with local residents through community conversations and a survey of 83 people undertaken between November 2024 and 2025. The purpose of the consultation was to identify the main challenges facing residents and to ensure that the CIC's activities responded to genuine community needs. The survey findings showed that the cost of keeping homes warm during the winter months was one of the highest concerns among residents. Many participants expressed worries about rising energy costs and the affordability of making improvements to their homes to improve warmth and energy efficiency. The affordability of food and other essential household items was also identified as a significant concern. The information gathered directly influenced the CIC's activities. In response, the CIC produced and distributed practical factsheets providing guidance on affordable and cost-effective ways to keep homes warm during winter, including low-cost energy-saving measures and advice on winter-proofing homes. The CIC also developed a community support factsheet containing details of local food banks, support groups, and organisations providing assistance with food, daily living needs, and financial hardship. The CIC continues to gather feedback from residents through ongoing discussions and community engagement activities to ensure that its services remain relevant and responsive to local needs.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration