Energy Efficiency

The Government has produced a UK Fuel Poverty Strategy. This gives a commitment to eliminate fuel poverty in all households by 2016 and in vulnerable households by 2010.

Energy Efficiency

The Government has produced a UK Fuel Poverty Strategy.  This gives a commitment to eliminate fuel poverty in all households by 2016 and in vulnerable households by 2010.

Government research figures show that more than 35% of heat from homes is lost through external walls and 25% through loft spaces, so by properly insulating these areas you can turn your heating down, still keep warm and save as over £200 a year on your heating costs.

As part of the Council’s initiative to improve energy efficiency of domestic property in the Borough, the Council has been successful in obtaining funding to promote a subsidised home insulation scheme.  The Council in partnership with Scottish Power is now able to offer occupiers of houses in the Borough the opportunity of having cavity wall insulation at a greatly reduced price.  Subsidies are also available for loft insulation and hot water cylinder jackets. Eligibility is not dependent on your income.

If you would like to take up this offer, please contact the scheme installer:

Home Insulation Services (NW) Ltd

FREEPOST BJ2466

Preston PR4 2BR

or Freephone:  0800 616115 quoting  Fylde/Scottish Power Scheme.

Warm Front £300 Heating Rebate Scheme

On Monday 5 December 2005, the Chancellor made a pre-budget announcement regarding the Government’s intention to offer a £300 rebate off the cost of installing a new central heating system for people aged 60 or over who own or privately rent their home.

The £300 rebate, which forms part of the Warm Front Scheme, can only be used by householders who either have no heating system or one which is inoperable.

The £300 rebate was made available from 11 August 2006 to all householders aged 60 or over who are not in receipt of a qualifying Warm Front benefit.

To find out more and make an application ring the Eaga Contact Centre on 0800 316 2808 or visit www.eaga.co.uk

The Warm Front Grant and Eligibility

If you own your own home or rent from a private landlord you maybe able to claim a grant of up to £3500 under the Warm Front Scheme

If the property has previously received any measures under Warm Front, the value of the grant available to the existing householder under Warm Front will be the balance of £3500 or £6,000 if oil central heating is involved, less the value of all works previously completed in the property under Warm Front since June 2000.

The following people may be able to claim a grant under Warm Front:

1. Householders aged 60 or over and are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Council Tax Benefit
• Housing Benefit
• Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
• Pension Credit
  OR

2. Householders who (a) have a child under 16, or (b) are pregnant and have been given maternity certificate MAT B1 in relation to the pregnancy concerned, and are also in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Council Tax Benefit
• Housing Benefit
• Jobseeker's Allowance (Income Based)
• Pension Credit
  OR

3. Householders in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
Working Tax Credit with income of less than £15,460 and which must include a disability element

• Disability Living Allowance
• Child Tax Credit with an income of less than £15,460
• Housing Benefit + Disability Premium
• Income Support + Disability Premium
• Council Tax + Disability Premium
• War Disablement Pension (+ Constant Attendance Allowance or Mobility Supplement)
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit + Constant Attendance Allowance
• Attendance Allowance
  NOTES:
• Householder includes the applicant's spouse, or partner, if they are living with the applicant
• Partner means the spouse of the person with whom the applicant lives as husband or wife or civil partner
• If you think you maybe eligible or you have any further questions please ring 0800 316 6011 or visit www.eaga.co.uk

General Advice

As a householder there are measures that you can take that will save you money on your fuel bills and cost you nothing

• Turn your room or radiator thermostats down by 1 or 2 degrees.  This small change will not effect your overall comfort in the room, but could save you as much as 10 per cent on your annual heating bill.
• Close curtains as soon as it becomes dark.  This will minimise loss of heat through the windows.  If you can change your curtains to a heavier material or ensure that they are lined.  This can make an annual saving of approximately £15 on your fuel bill.
• Ensure that curtains do not overhang radiators. Heat will be stopped from entering the room and some of the heat will escape through the glass. 
• Keep doors to rooms closed. This will keep warm air in the room and cold air out.
• Don’t overfill kettles or pans when heating water.
• Don’t forget to switch off lights when not in the room. 
• Leaving the Television and video on standby not only uses electricity, but is also a fire hazard

DO NOT BLOCK OFF ANY VENTILATION POINTS IN YOUR ROOMS. 

If you would like any further information or advice, you should email housing@fylde.gov.uk or call the Housing Team on 01253 658658.