Vulnerable households should take advantage of increase in Warm Front grants

(21/05/2009)

The changes to the Warm Front grants aim to help the most vulnerable households and will work towards making those homes more energy efficient in the long run.

The increase in grants is from £2,700 to £3,500 for gas central heating and £4,000 to £6,000 for households with oil systems and to qualify, residents must own their own home or live in privately rented property and be in receipt of benefits.

Gavin Ward Ltd, a Government appointed installer of grant funded Warm Front heating and insulation is urging residents to take advantage of the scheme after the government announced an increase in grant levels.

Paul Dove, General Manager of Gavin Ward Limited said: “As we head towards summer, people might not be thinking about their central heating, but in light of the recent announcement from the Government we are urging people to get in touch now so that they can beat the winter rush. Here at Gavin Ward Limited we are delighted with the Government’s announcement. This decision will help to ensure that we are able to help even more people in the country to benefit from the scheme.”

As an appointed installer for the Warm Front Scheme, Gavin Ward Limited will carry out a benefit entitlement check which ensures residents are making the most of their income and will detail whether the household is entitled to the heating grant.

Once approved those who have applied could also receive contributions towards the cost of repairs to heating systems as well as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and draught proofing.

Paul said: “There are so many people who are not claiming the benefits they’re entitled to and because of this find that they are unable to access the Warm Front Scheme when actually they could be eligible for it. It is important that people check what benefits they should be in receipt of and should then call us to get the ball rolling with a heating grant application.”

People who own their own home or live in private rented accommodation may be eligible for a Warm Front grant. To qualify, families or individuals must be in receipt of certain benefits. These are detailed below:

1. Aged over 60
Householders aged 60 or over in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
· Council Tax Benefit
· Housing Benefit
· Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)
· Pension Credit

2. Pregnant or with a child under the age of 16
Householders with a child under 16, or pregnant women with maternity certificate MAT-B1, in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
· Income Support
· Council Tax Benefit
· Housing Benefit
· Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)
· Pension Credit

3. Householders in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
· Working Tax Credit (with an income of less than £15,460, which must include a disability element)
· Disability Living Allowance
· Child Tax Credit (with an income of less than £15,460)
· Housing Benefit (which must include a disability premium)
· Income Support (which must include a disability premium)
· Council Tax Benefit (which must include a disability premium)
· War Disablement Pension (which must include a mobility supplement or Constant Attendance Allowance)
· Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (which must include a Constant Attendance Allowance)
· Attendance Allowance

Related categories:  Boilers - Domestic   Insulation   Legislation and regulations   Oil heating   Ventilation