Type=image;ImageID=11094;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Councillor Peter Bilson enjoys a cup of tea with Lynda Green;TitleClass=strong;
Wolverhampton has always been at the forefront of local authorities in delivering the scheme, which it has been running for almost 20 years.
It is one of the few councils that utilises its own funding to ensure those residents whose health is at risk due to living in cold/damp conditions are able to keep their homes warm.
One couple that was recently helped by the scheme is husband and wife Graham, and Lynda Green, of Whitmore Reans.
Graham suffers with asthma and could not use the warm air heating system in his property due to dust getting in his lungs.
An Affordable Warmth Grant meant the council's contractors where able to fit a full gas central heating system in the couple's home, which greatly improved Graham's health as the system is more suitable for people with serious lung conditions.
Councillor Peter Bilson, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: "As a local authority we do a lot to target fuel poverty in Wolverhampton and I'm delighted we were able to help Graham and Lynda.
"Our Affordable Warmth Grant Assistance scheme is tailored to meet the demands of the city population.
"The grant plays a vital role in helping local residents whose health is adversely affected by living in a cold or damp property and ensures that qualifying residents receive high-standard heating systems that are economic to run."
To qualify for an Affordable Warmth Assistance grant the resident must meet 5 criteria:
- be an owner occupier living in the City of Wolverhampton
- be in receipt of at least one income related benefit or a benefit related to disability
- be judged to be at risk of serious ill health due to living in a cold/damp home
- the property must be in council tax band A, B or C - properties in a higher band will only receive assistance in exceptional circumstances
- have resided at the property for a minimum of 12 months
Up to 200 grants a year are available. The maximum grant is £5,000, while the average grant allocated is £2,700. The grants do not cover fuel bills.
The service also hand holds vulnerable people through the process of the works needed.
Possible works include fitting full central heating systems, replacing boilers, replacing/adding radiators to a system, providing heating controls, where appropriate and offering advice on paying fuel bills and energy efficiency.
An affordable warmth grant referral form is now available to submit online at Type=articles;Articleid=9577;Title=Affordable Warmth Grant;. Only a name, address and contact details are required to take the grant forward. There is also an additional box if people wish to leave further information.
For more information contact City of Wolverhampton Council Private Sector Housing Improvement Officers Mandy Findlay (mandy.findlay@wolverhampton.gov.uk / 01902 551346) or Lynda Eyton (Lynda.eyton@wolverhampton.gov.uk / 01902 555706).
- released: Friday 4 November, 2016