A new scheme to help vulnerable residents keep their homes warm has been introduced by Fylde Council and applications are now open.
The Affordable Warmth Grant allows qualifying residents to apply for up to £2,500 per household to cover the cost of modifications to improve energy efficiency and reduce the cost of fuel bills.
The grant, funded through an allocation from Lancashire County Council, is aimed specifically at those vulnerable residents most at risk of harm from cold or damp homes, such as young children or people who suffer from respiratory illness.
Cllr Thomas Threlfall, Chairman of Fylde Council’s Environment, Health and Housing Committee, said: “I am very pleased that Fylde Council can offer this assistance to vulnerable households across the borough. The current cost of living crisis and the rising cost of energy is affecting us all, and alongside the ECO4 and ECO-Flex schemes, Fylde Council are in an excellent position to provide support keeping warm to those residents who most need it.”
Who can get the Affordable Warmth Grant?
All applicants must be a homeowner over the age of 18
You will qualify if:
- You are in receipt of a means tested benefit or,
- You have a household income of less than £31,000
And one of the following vulnerabilities
- You are in receipt of a Disabled Facility Grant award having passed the means test
- You have a long term health condition that means you are clinically extremely vulnerable (such as diagnosed respiratory conditions in particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and childhood asthma)
- You are pregnant or you have a child under the age of 5
- You are unable to return home from hospital until a working heating system is in place
- You are 65 and older
- You are terminally ill
You can apply for up to £2,500 per household towards the cost of:
- Servicing, repairs and replacement boilers and heating systems and associated works, including controls and replacement of unsafe heating appliances
- Repairs to and new radiators and radiator reflectors
- Loft Insulation
- Failed Glazing Improvements (this will be at the discretion of the council)
- Emergency heating and dehumidifiers including portable heaters on loan whilst heating systems are repaired
- Advice on fuel poverty -advice to reduce costs through fuel switching, income maximisation, income maximisation, managing fuel bills & debts, warm home checks
- Emergency Top up fuel cards / vouchers
- Carbon monoxide monitors
Affordable Warmth Grant Plus
Fylde has been awarded funding to provide interventions aimed at the most vulnerable on low to middle income to improve the energy efficiency of homes and reduce the cost of fuel bills.
Who can get the Affordable Warmth Grant Plus
All applicants must be a homeowner over the age of 18
You will qualify if:
- You have a household income of less than £45,000
And one of the following vulnerabilities
- You are in receipt of a Disabled Facility Grant award having passed the means test
- You have a long term health condition that means you are clinically extremely vulnerable (such as diagnosed respiratory conditions in particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and childhood asthma)
- You are pregnant or you have a child under the age of 5
- You are unable to return home from hospital until a working heating system is in place
- You are 65 and older
- You are terminally ill
Costs covered by the affordable warmth grant include:
You can apply for up to £2,500 per household towards the cost of:
- Servicing, repairs and replacement boilers and heating systems and associated works, including controls and replacement of unsafe heating appliances
- Repairs to and new radiators and radiator reflectors
- Loft Insulation
- Failed Glazing Improvements (this will be at the discretion of the council)
- Emergency heating and dehumidifiers including portable heaters on loan whilst heating systems are repaired
- Advice on fuel poverty -advice to reduce costs through fuel switching, income maximisation, income maximisation, managing fuel bills & debts, warm home checks
- Emergency Top up fuel cards / vouchers
- Carbon monoxide monitors
The Affordable Warmth Grant is a fixed funding stream, and will end should the funding be exhausted.
For more information about the Affordable Warmth Grant, and to submit an application, visit the Fylde Council website.
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