Vulnerable people in South Northamptonshire paying more than they should for heating are set to receive a helping hand from the £4m Warm Homes Fund (WHF).
In partnership with all the other local authorities in the county, South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) aims to provide fully funded central heating to eligible households, even if that includes connecting them to the gas main.
The scheme will be officially launched in Corby by the Northamptonshire Warm Homes Partnership on Tuesday, 14th January 2020.
Cllr Karen Cooper, SNC’s Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, said: “If you or someone you know has had to go without a meal or made other sacrifices just to keep warm, please get in touch. The fund is not unlimited so please do not wait to make the call any longer than necessary.”
Eligible households include those on low incomes who do not already have any central heating and who are either connected to the gas main or within 23 metres of the main. Both owner-occupiers and private tenants can apply but tenants will need the permission of their landlord.
The money from the WHF will be matched by other grants and by contributions from landlords and local authorities to ensure that eligible homes do not need to pay a penny.
The WHF scheme will run until 2021 and aims to fit efficient gas central heating in around 1,400 fuel-poor homes across Northants.
The scheme is being run by the Northamptonshire Warm Homes Partnership, Surefire Management Services and Agility UK.
Nationally, the Warm Homes Fund has been established by the National Grid and is administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions.
All support through the Warm Homes Fund scheme is subject to the eligibility criteria. To find out more go to www.northantswarmhomes.com.
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