Posted on Thursday 28th November 2019
Eligible families across Staffordshire are getting their homes connected to gas for free and getting fully funded central heating systems installed to help keep their homes warm this winter.
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.
After starting in Staffordshire in June, the scheme is already making a huge difference to people’s lives.
Jo lives in South Staffordshire with two sons, one of whom has disabilities.
Jo said:
“This scheme has helped my family so much as before, we were heating our house using a gas fire and portable electric heating. The house was always freezing, and it was not good for my two sons’ or my own health and wellbeing. It was also incredibly expensive.
“This year, our life has been transformed by the support we have received from the local council, the charity Beat the Cold and the Staffordshire Warmer Homes Scheme. We have had a brand-new central heating system fitted as well as a wet room installed for my disabled son.”
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 Staffordshire County Council is working in partnership with E.ON, and local district and borough councils.
Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care, said: “As winter approaches, it is more important than ever that those who are entitled to get a fully-funded central heating system are able to do so. Being in a cold environment can put older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children at risk from a range of conditions. This is why I would recommend people to get in touch and see if they are eligible.”
Up to 1,000 fuel poor households across Staffordshire could benefit from the Staffordshire Warmer Homes scheme. 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.
Eligible households are being written to directly, but others who think they might be eligible are being urged to go to this website, or call E.ON on 0333 202 4481 to find about more and apply.