Offer of warmer homes this winter for Moorlands residents

Published on 9 October 2020

With Autumn now upon us, and many of us spending increased time indoors as a result of Covid, keeping our homes warm and cosy has never been as important - and help is available to Moorlands residents who currently don't have central heating.

The Staffordshire Warmer Homes Scheme has been set up to install fully-funded gas central heating systems - and so far 12 homes in the Moorlands have benefitted with a further six set to have heating installed before Christmas.

You're eligible for help if:

·         You're elderly

·         You're disabled

·         You have young children

·         You claim benefits or tax credits

·         You have low, or no, income

The initiative is being delivered by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Staffordshire County Council, Beat the Cold and EON.

Councillor Mike Bowen, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Being warm at home is something that everyone should be able to enjoy but, for many people, finding the money to install central heating alongside all other household expenses can be a challenge.

"This scheme can help with that, and other energy efficiency measures, to heat your home and keep you healthy this winter.

"Almost 20 homes across the Moorlands will have had new systems installed before Christmas and I would urge anyone without central heating who thinks they meet the criteria for this scheme to make an application as soon as possible."

As with so many aspects of life, the Covid lockdown meant some surveys didn't take place and limited the contact EON could have with applicants. They will be reviewing applications already received to pick them back up now restrictions have eased.

The scheme is open to everyone whether you own or rent your home. It covers the cost of installation of a gas heating system - fuel bills will be the responsibility of the recipient.

Councillor Bowen added: "The good news is that gas central heating is much more cost effective than many other forms of heating with figures showing that switching can save households up to £350 a year on their annual fuel bills."

Find out more at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Warmer-Homes/Staffordshire-Warmer-Homes.aspx - where you can also apply online - or call the freephone number 0333 202 4481