Posted on Wednesday 24th July 2019
Eligible households in Tamworth have just two weeks to apply to a scheme that could help them out of fuel poverty.
Households that currently aren’t connected to gas, and meet certain eligibility criteria, could get a brand new fully funded central heating system in their home thanks to the Staffordshire Warmer Homes initiative.
The initiative has been ongoing in Tamworth over the past two months, but households have until August 9 to take up the offer. After this date, it cannot be confirmed if applications will be successful and each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible households have been written to directly, but others who think they might be eligible are being urged to go to our warmer homes website, call E.ON on 0333 202 4481or HEAT on 0800 043 2815 to find about more and apply.
Up to 1,000 fuel poor households in Staffordshire could benefit from the initiative. Added to this, wider support around making homes easier to keep warm and appropriate access to benefits will be given to around 12,000 people.
The £150m Warm Homes Fund has been established by National Grid to support local authorities to address some of the issues affecting fuel poor households. Other funding for the initiative has been provided from public sector partners.
To deliver this initiative in Tamworth, Staffordshire County Council has been working in partnership with E.ON, and Tamworth Borough Council.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing Alan White said:
“Fuel poverty affects thousands of people across the country. This contributes to a number of health problems, as respiratory, cardiovascular and mobility conditions can be made worse if an individual is living in a cold home.
“Although we are targeting those who are eligible directly, I would urge anyone who thinks they might fit the criteria to visit our website or contact E.ON to find out more. More than 100 people have applied to so far, but we want to be absolutely sure no one is missing out on this scheme. To ensure your application is accepted please register as soon as possible.”
Cllr Michelle Cook, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Housing Services and Communities, said:
“The health and wellbeing of residents is one of our top priorities and fuel poverty can have a serious impact on this. I would encourage anyone in Tamworth who doesn’t have gas central heating to see if they can take advantage of the funding, before it’s too late.”