Extra help to keep warm this winter

OLDHAM’S most vulnerable residents will be given extra help to keep warm this winter, with a special cash top-up to the existing Warm Front scheme.

Warm Front, part of the Government drive to eradicate fuel poverty, sees those in receipt of certain benefits receive a contribution towards the cost of heating and insulating their home.

But now, as energy companies announce huge price hikes, the council has set aside £50,000 to give the most vulnerable households currently taking advantage of Warm Front even more help.

Households which have been identified will receive a letter to tell them they are in line for up to £500 worth of extra help.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “Residents who are eligible for Warm Front can receive up to £2,700 towards insulation and heating.

“Where the cost of the household’s proposed energy efficiency measures exceed £2,700, households are asked to pay a contribution.

“Where households cannot afford to pay this, the council has earmarked £50,000 that will enable us to contribute up to an additional £500 per qualifying household.

Since the council implemented its own affordable warmth strategy in 2005, more than 6,000 households across the borough have received help. Thousands more have benefited from advice and support to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Mark Reynolds, service director for housing strategy, said: “If this pilot is deemed successful, we are looking to develop a similar scheme to assist new applicants during 2009-2010.”

Anyone who would like to receive a benefit entitlement check and find out whether they qualify for Warm Front is asked to call freephone 0800-316 6005 (quoting reference MK764) or apply online at www.warmfront.co.uk