Insulation and Emergency Heating for local households

Monday, 7 February 2011

Residents are being encouraged to make their homes warmer and cheaper to heat with help from the Council's Home Energy Action Team.

Following the temporary closure of the Government's Warm Front scheme this winter the Council will help low income private households with heating emergencies.

There are grants or loans available, dependant on individual circumstances, to make sure that Calderdale residents can keep their homes warm this winter.

All owners of private homes are being encouraged to take advantage of the discounts available before these are phased out over the next few months.

Free insulation is also currently available for many people and large discounts are being offered to those able to pay something towards it. The discount means that loft and cavity wall insulation that would usually cost £750 is available for around £200 for a typical semi-detached home.

Insulating a home can save households up to £360 per year on their energy bills, so the initial cost will quickly be recovered.

Draught proofing, hot water tank jackets, pipe lagging, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation can be provided free of charge to some owner occupiers and private tenants through the Council's scheme. These include:

• People over 60 in Council tax band properties A-C
• People over 70, regardless of the Council Tax band on their home
• Households in receipt of means tested or disability related benefits
• Low income families receiving child and / or working tax credits

For further information on these schemes and to check if you qualify, contact the Council's Housing Energy Action Team (HEAT) on 0845 245 6000 or email your full details to heat@calderdale.gov.uk