Warm Front scheme grants up for grabs

If your home is poorly insulated, or you don't have a working central heating system, you might be missing out on free help for insulation and heating improvements.

Consumer Focus and National Energy Action are warning that many grants are going unclaimed. This means there is spare money left in the scheme, despite the government cuts. Some people may have not claimed because they thought there is no money left or that they aren't entitled to get any help.

You can get help if you own your home or rent from a private landlord and it's poorly insulated or your central heating isn't working. You and your partner also need to be getting one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit, or
• Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-based Employment and Support Allowance and there is also either a child under five in your household, or a pensioner, or anybody who is severely disabled

If so, you could get help with the following:

• loft insulation
• draughtproofing
• cavity wall insulation
• hot water tank insulation
• gas, electric, liquid petroleum gas or oil heating
• glass-fronted fire - the Warm Front scheme can convert your solid-fuel open fire to a glass-fronted fire

If you think you might be eligible, it's best to apply before 31 March, before the money for this year is used up.

For more information about the Warm Front scheme and how to apply, go to the Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk/warmfront, or call 0800 408 0688.

For more information about this scheme and other help that is available, see also Energy costs and saving money.

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