2/2/2012 - Help is at hand as winter begins to bite : Cumbria County Council

People are being reminded that there is plenty of help available to keep warm as temperatures drop in Cumbria.

The countywide Cumbria Warm Homes Project was officially launched at the Cumbria Advice Network Conference at Rheged Penrith on 18 January, by Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Oliver Pearson.

This project is offering free energy health checks to all households across the county, providing each home with a written survey report, which can help households, understand what they can do to keep their homes warm and save money on their energy bills.

Oliver Pearson, said: "Although we’ve been fortunate with a milder winter so far this year it’s important that people don’t get complacent about the dangers of colder weather. Action taken today can make a significant and lasting difference for years to come. As the temperatures drop over the coming days I would encourage everybody, not just those who are particularly vulnerable, to get in contact and access any help while it is available.”

Tom Litster, from E.ON’s Energy Efficiency team, explained: “Being energy fit is about making sure people’s homes are energy efficient yet warm and comfortable. As part of the Cumbria Warm Homes Project, we’re offering eligible low income families and pensioners £100* when they take up our offer of free insulation which could help towards winter fuel bills.”

E.ON’s offer – which includes the installation of free standard loft and cavity wall insulation** – is open to anyone on an income of less than £16,190 and in receipt of Child Tax Credit, or claiming Pension Credit. You don't even need to be an E.ON customer to apply, just call freephone 0800 328 8419.

Tom Barlow on behalf of the Cumbria Affordable Warmth Partnership, which delivers the county's Warm Homes Project, said:

“This year Cumbria residents are very fortunate to have access to such a wide range of assistance, but they need to take advantage of these offers whilst they are available, as they will be short lived, and future funding for such projects no longer being assured.”

Cumbria County Council will once again be offering more information and advice on keeping warm this winter with 2 more “Taking the Brrr out of Cumbria” roadshows. These roadshows will take place at the following locations:

Tuesday 7 February - Carlisle Indoor Market - 10am to 3pm Wednesday 8 February - Barrow Library - 10am to 3pm

There is more information and advice about keeping warm is available at www.cumbria.gov.uk/brrr

The £100 offer is available if you are in receipt of certain benefits and other qualifying criteria. The £100 offer applies to the household where the insulation has been installed, if this is standard loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or any combination of the above. This offer is applicable for lofts where existing insulation depth is equal to or less than 60mm. Lofts with insulation above 60mm are excluded from this offer. All cheques will be paid after the installation has been completed and the installer lets us know. On average, this could take up to two months after the install has taken place. A cheque will be sent in the post to the customer who had the insulation installed in the property. This offer is subject to availability and may be removed at any time.

**Home insulation is free if you or someone living with you is aged 70 or over, or in receipt of certain benefits and other qualifying criteria.). All applications are subject to a home survey by the appointed installer (or company acting on their behalf).Full Terms and Conditions will be set out in the contract with the appointed installer. The scheme is administered by E.ON Energy Solutions Limited who reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Loft insulation offer not available if a household has more than 100mm existing loft insulation. The scheme excludes housing association, council tenants, flats and maisonettes

The Cumbria Warm Homes Partnership comprises Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Community Foundation, Healthy Communities Partnership, Age UK, Cumbria Advice Network, Cumbria Citizen’s Advice Bureaus, Action with Communities in Cumbria, 6 District Councils, Churches Together, NHS Cumbria, Cumbria Children’s Centres, Carers Organisations, Cumbria Centre for Independent Living, Energy Saving Trust and E.ON.