Although summer has only just arrived, Epping Forest District Council is urging residents to apply for a grant to keep warm and save money on their fuel bills this winter.
Government-funded grants of up to £3,500 (and up to £6,000 in areas where there is no mains gas) are available to homeowners and private tenants receiving certain income-related benefits, to help them keep warm and save money on energy bills.
The Warm Front scheme provides a package of insulation and heating measures tailored to meet individual needs, including loft and cavity-wall insulation, draught-proofing, hot water tank jackets and additional heating solutions, such as installing a new central heating system, or repairing an existing one. If your application is progressed, an appointment will be made for a technical surveyor to visit you and discuss what energy efficiency and heating measures are suitable for your home.
Keeping warm is important, especially in the colder weather when some people find themselves spending more time at home. These improvements are designed to help you keep warmer, healthier and more comfortable in your home.
Councillor Will Breare-Hall, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “If you receive any of the qualifying benefits I encourage you to apply now to Warm Front and be prepared for winter – don’t wait for the colder weather.”
To qualify, you must own, or rent from a private landlord, a property that is poorly insulated and/or does not have a working central heating system. Eligible customers are all those awarded Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance that includes a work-related activity or support component. If you are awarded Income Support or; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or; income-related Employment and Support Allowance in the assessment phase (first 13 weeks of the claim) you must also have one of the following to qualify: a pensioner premium; a disability or severe disability premium; an award of child tax credit that also includes an element for a disabled, or severely disabled, child or young person or; a child under the age of five living with you.
Warm Front will organise and pay for all work up to the value of the grant. This scheme is funded by the Government and managed by Carillion Energy Services. All you have to do is call free on 0800 316 2814 or apply online at Warm Front Grants to find out if you’re eligible.
