Thousands more households in England will be eligible for help under the Warm Front scheme, says the UK government.
The current Warm Front scheme, which is targeted at those receiving certain income-related benefits and living in poorly insulated or heated properties, has a budget of £100 million for 2012/13.
Applicants can receive help of up to £3500, or £6000 for homes not connected to the gas network, towards loft or cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, hot water tank insulation, new or replacement gas or oil central heating, electric storage heaters and timer controls for electric space and water heaters.
When new regulations come into force later this month, the qualifying income to receive benefits will be aligned with that to be used in the forthcoming Affordable Warmth initiative under the new Energy Company Obligation.
Those that currently qualify under the rules of the scheme still will, but a larger number of households will be eligible to benefit from the help available, says the government. However, the qualifying threshold under the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for the property will be increased from 55 to 63.
“Changes to the rules on who can get help under Warm Front will mean even more people will be able to keep warm this winter,” says Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker. “
For further information:
www.decc.gov.uk
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/Energygrants/DG_10018661
Related stories:
UK government switches on low-carbon heating for social housing (29-May)
Fuel poverty serious national problem, says independent UK report (16-Mar)
Article source: http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/5350/
