Torbuy Council: "Warm Front grants still available, but apply now

With time running out, Torbay residents are being encouraged to apply for Government-funded grants to help them keep warm and save money on energy bills.

Grants of up to £3,500 -- and up to £6,000 in areas where there is no mains gas -- are still available under the Warm Front scheme to homeowners and private tenants receiving certain income-related benefits.

Cllr Robert Excell, Torbay Council's Executive Lead for Safer Communities, said: "Many people have already received grants under the Warm Front scheme, but unfortunately it is due to end by next March so we would ask people who may be eligible for grants to apply before it's too late."

Warm Front provides a package of insulation and heating measures tailored to meet individual needs. These include loft and cavity-wall insulation, draughtproofing, hot-water-tank jackets and additional heating solutions such as installing a new central heating system, or repairing an existing one.

A spokesman for the Warm Front team said: "Apply today and be prepared for winter.

"Keeping warm is important, especially in the colder weather, when some people find themselves spending more time at home. These improvements are designed to help you to keep warmer, healthier and more comfortable in your home.

"If you think you are eligible for the Warm Front scheme, apply now. An appointment will be made for a technical surveyor to visit you and discuss what energy efficiency and Warm Front will organise and pay for all work up to the value of the grant.

"Warm Front will organise and pay for all work up to the value of the grant.

"The scheme is funded by the Government and managed by Carillion Energy Services. All you have to do is call free on 0800 316 2814 or apply online at www.warmfront.co.uk to find out if you’re eligible.

"You could claim a grant for heating and insulation if you own your home or rent it from a private landlord, and you are on certain benefits:
* Pension Credit
* Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (that includes a work-related activity or support component)
* Income Support Allowance (ISA)
* Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), with one of the following: a Pensioner Premium, a Disability or Severe Disability Premium (DP), Disabled Child Premium (DCP), Child Tax Credit (which includes a disability or severe disability element for a child or young person), a child under the age of five living with you."