Information on Loughborough

CHARNWOOD TOPS THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY LEAGUE TABLES

Posted on 16/04/2008
P. Klein

energy efficient lighbulbRecent figures compiled by Government Warm Front Scheme Manager, eaga, show that Charnwood is one of the most energy efficient local authorities in the East Midlands.

The district has come second in the annual league tables for the number of Warm Front Grants, which it has helped deliver to vulnerable households in the area.

Between April 2007 and March 2008, over 520 residents in Charnwood received a government funded Warm Front Grant of up to £2,700 to help improve the heating and insulation in their home. During this period, £660,427.81 worth of Government money was spent on making local residents warmer and homes more energy efficient. Since 2005, £1,449,978.84 worth of Government money was spent on making Charnwood residents warmer and homes more energy efficient.

Charnwood Borough Council has been working with a number of local partners and scheme manager, eaga, to achieve this success.

Cllr David Slater of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “We are delighted that Warm Front has helped make so many homes in Charnwood warmer and more energy efficient.

“It’s only by working together that we will ensure that Warm Front reaches as many people as possible. We don’t want people to miss out and spend another winter in the cold.”

Ravi Kumar, Warm Front Coordinator for the East Midlands, said “There is more help available for people who struggle to keep warm in winter.

“This is a very popular scheme and we would encourage Charnwood residents to apply early for the grant, to ensure the best chance of the work being completed before the cold sets in.”

The Warm Front Scheme, which is funded by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, provides grants for energy saving measures including loft insulation, draught proofing, cavity wall insulation, central heating, heating repairs and replacement boilers.

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.

You may also be eligible if you 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, people over the age of 60 with a heating system that is not working, who 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 on the Warm Front Grant, or Warm Front £300 Scheme, call the Warm Front helpline free on 0800 316 6007 (quoting reference MK858). 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.