Homeowners receive free central heating system thanks to Warm Homes Fund

A couple from Glyncorrwg are ‘pleased’ to have had their free central heating system installed in time for the winter weather.

Mr and Mrs Phillips recently had a free gas combi boiler fitted in their home to replace their previous coal boiler.

The installation was funded through Neath Port Talbot Council’s Warm Homes Fund, a scheme that helps to reduce energy bills for eligible residents through installing a first time gas central heating system (boiler, radiators, pipework) and energy saving measures (loft insulation, draught proofing, low energy light bulbs etc.).

Mrs Phillips commented: “The choice was to change to oil or gas central heating. We applied and were sent forms to fill in and qualified for the criteria that was needed. The staff concerned helped us through all that was needed to be done in the different stages. This couldn’t have come at a better time for us with my husband’s health problems. We are so pleased now that it’s all been completed for us before the winter.”

To be eligible for the Warm Homes Fund, homeowners must:

Live in Neath Port Talbot and:

Be classed as a low income household

Or spend more than 10% of household income on energy

Or live in a low income area (check with the team to confirm if you live in a low income area)

Or be in receipt of certain benefits

Not have an existing oil / gas or LPG central heating system (a boiler and radiators)

Must own your own property or privately rent (private landlords will be required to pay a 25% contribution towards the cost of the works)

Councillor Peter Richards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Health, said:

“We believe that everyone deserves to live in a warm home and I am delighted that we have been able to help another resident through the funding.

“It is important that we work to tackle the challenge of affordable warmth in homes. We are committed to helping people afford the energy they need and help reduce the health impacts of living in a home that isn’t heated correctly.

“I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to receive support to get in touch.”

The scheme is funded by the £150m Warm Homes Fund, which has been established by National Grid, and is administered by Community Investment Company, Affordable Warmth Solutions, to support local authorities to address some of the issues affecting fuel poor households.

Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Affordable Warmth Solutions, said:

“We are excited about this investment from National Grid and are delighted to support Neath Port Talbot’s Council’s Warm Homes Fund to fund the scheme to address fuel poverty. Solving the issues associated with Fuel Poverty continues to challenge many of our stakeholders and the feedback we’ve already received provides evidence of how the Warm Homes Fund will make a positive difference to thousands of homes throughout Great Britain.”

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.npt.gov.uk/warmhomesfund . If you are unsure if you meet the relevant criteria, contact the Housing Renewals Team on 01639 686504 or email renewalarea@npt.gov.uk .