More than 60 homes benefit from free central heating scheme

More than 60 homes throughout Neath Port Talbot have now had a free central heating system installed thanks to the Warm Homes Fund.

The Fund helps homeowners who do not already have an oil or gas central heating system, to lower the costs of their energy bills through heating their homes more efficiently. Homeowners who qualify for the Fund can have a free first time gas central heating system (boiler, radiators, pipework) installed, plus a range of energy saving measures such as loft insulation, draught proofing and low energy light bulbs.

Since launching, the Neath Port Talbot Council managed scheme has funded more than £450,000 worth of installations and energy saving measures across the county borough.

Homeowners do not have to pay anything towards the cost of the central heating system but the Fund cannot be used towards the cost of a gas connection to your property. Some households will be eligible for financial support towards a gas connection through the Fuel Poverty Network Extension Scheme. The team will be able guide you through the process.

To be eligible for the fund, homeowners must:

•    Live in Neath Port Talbot and:

1.    Be classed as a low income household
2.    Or spend more than 10% of household income on energy
3.    Or live in a low income area (check with the team to confirm if you live in a low income area)
4.    Or be in receipt of certain benefits

•    Not have an existing oil / gas or LPG central heating system (a boiler and radiators) Properties with a solid fuel central heating system will be eligible to apply for this grant.

•    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 we are fully committed to ensuring people are able to afford the energy they need.

“Many of the homeowners we have helped have had their electric heaters or coal fired boilers replaced with new energy efficient central heating systems, saving them over a thousand pound a year on heating costs.”

“I’d encourage anyone who thinks we could help to get in touch – and for residents to think of any friends or family members who could benefit from the Warm Homes Fund.”

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 criteria, contact the Housing Renewals Team on 01639 686504 or email renewalarea@npt.gov.uk .