Housing energy grants
Hebden Bridge householders could benefit

Wednesday, 5 September 2007

Thousands of homeowners and tenants in privately rented houses in Calderdale could still be eligible for grants to make their homes more energy efficient.

Over the last year, 1731 Calderdale householders benefited from grants of up to £2700 to help pay for energy saving improvements, such as cavity wall, loft insulation, draught proofing and central heating under the government funded Warm Front Scheme.

But according to eaga, contractor for the scheme who manage the £1.5 billion programme on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, up to 30,000 more homes in Calderdale could benefit from a grant, but have not yet come forward to claim what they are entitled to.

Warm Front Scheme Director, Adrian Hull, said,
"We're delighted that Warm Front has been able to improve the lives of so many residents in Calderdale. But thousands more could be warmer and better off and have not yet applied.

"There is more funding available and I strongly encourage residents to find out if they are eligible for a Warm Front Grant by calling the free phone help line."

Government contractor's eaga are working with Calderdale Council to tackle the situation and will be sending out letters across the area to highlight the help available to keep residents warm and save money on fuel bills.

Councillor Amanda Byrne, portfolio holder for the Council's Community Services Directorate said:-

"Calderdale Council is fully committed to helping home owners and private rented tenants on low incomes in the borough reduce their heating bills. It's also very important that our elderly and youngest residents live in warm comfortable homes to help them avoid ill health during the colder winter months. We are extremely pleased to help promote the Warm Front scheme with letters that will be sent out during the coming weeks. We strongly urge householders to apply for the scheme and benefit from a warmer more energy efficient home"
Grants are available to homeowners and private tenants in receipt of certain benefits. Some homes may also qualify for up to £4000 if oil central heating is recommended.

People who are over the age of 60, in receipt of pension credit, council tax benefit, housing benefit, or income based job seekers allowance may qualify for the scheme.

Residents may also be eligible if they receive benefits with a disability element. Pregnant women with a MAT B1 certificate and people with children under 16 who get certain benefits are also being encouraged to apply.

In addition, pensioners who do not have working heating and are not in receipt of benefits may be entitled to £300 off the cost of a boiler replacement, or repair under the Warm Front Rebate Scheme.

For more information, call the Warm Front helpline free on 0800 316 2814 (quoting reference MK547). A trained advisor will ask you a few simple questions to see whether you qualify. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm and 9am 5pm on Saturdays.