Stay warm the affordable way

OLDHAM Council has launched a new scheme to help residents stay warm this winter.

Residents can take advantage of free or highly-subsidised loft and cavity wall insulation.

The initiative is part of the Affordable Warmth Strategy approved by the council in July, which included a plan of action for tackling fuel poverty and improving the energy efficiency of the borough’s households.

Fuel poverty contributes to a wide range of problems, including poor health, excess winter deaths, reduced quality of life, poor educational attainment, social isolation and debt.

The authority has teamed up with the Energy Savings Trust to assist residents with accessing loft and cavity wall insulation through accredited installers and provide energy efficiency advice.

The scheme offers free loft or cavity wall insulation for anyone over the age of 70, on qualifying benefits or suffering an illness made worse by cold or damp. It also applies to those with respiratory diseases, heart diseases, hypertension, stroke, arthritis, back pain, damaged joints or mental health problems.

If you don’t meet any of the above criteria, the council is offering highly-subsidised insulation installation (£95 for loft or cavity, rather than £300-400 each). The £95 offer runs only until March.

To take advantage call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 or e-mail eeac@manchester.gov.uk  quoting ‘Oldham health scheme’. They will organise a free, no-obligation survey.


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