Posted on Monday 20th January 2020
Eligible households in East Staffordshire could be helped out of fuel poverty, thanks to a brand new scheme.
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 is being rolled out in East Staffordshire throughout January and February 2020, after successful schemes in Cannock, Lichfield, Tamworth and Stafford.
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 East Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council is working in partnership with E.ON, and East Staffordshire Borough Council.
Eligible households are being written to directly, but others who think they might be eligible are being urged to go to www.staffordshire.gov.uk/warmerhomes, or call E.ON on 0333 202 4481 to find about more and apply.
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.
“We’re keen to ensure that as many eligible people as possible find out more about the scheme and apply, so we can identify as many people as possible who are at risk of fuel poverty and related health risks, provide support and advice, and get them the help they need.”
Councillor Bernard Peters, Deputy Leader for Regulatory and Community Support at East Staffordshire Borough Council said:
“This is an excellent initiative and I am pleased that East Staffordshire Borough Council will be involved in supporting the community during what are the most difficult months of the year for energy bills.”
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