Newcastle City Council has launched a new initiative to help homeowners be warmer, greener, and manage fuel bills this winter. The project, named the Sustainable Warmth scheme, will help those who need it most as temperatures across the region drop.
As the winter weather continues to get colder, people will be cautiously turning up the thermostat. But with energy bills rising, many people will be worried about the increased cost of keeping homes warm.
The scheme is in partnership with Warmworks and is aimed at those who need it the most. Low-income families and those with energy-inefficient homes will be able to apply for help to make their homes more energy efficient.
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Jane Byrne, Cabinet Member, Connected City, Newcastle City Council said: “As we move into winter, many people will be worrying about their heating bills. The Sustainable Warmth scheme will help people on a low income in Newcastle be warmer, reduce their bills, and decrease their home’s impact on the environment.”
“Warmworks has a strong track record of delivering schemes to more than 29,000 homes, which have helped their customers improve their heating, and be happier, healthier and more comfortable. I’d encourage everyone in Newcastle to check if they are eligible to receive help from the Sustainable Warmth scheme”
What help is available in the help to heat scheme?
For those who apply and are eligible for help, Warmworks will conduct a survey of the property and as a result, can offer an array of improvements. These can include:
wall insulation
loft insulation
underfloor insulation
air source, ground source or hybrid heat pumps
double glazing to replace single glazing
energy efficient doors
thermostats and heating controls
hot water tank insulation
Who is qualifies for the Sustainable Warmth scheme?
Owner occupiers and privately rented properties are eligible for the scheme. For people who live in a rented property, the landlord will need to provide permission for energy-saving improvements to be installed.
Householders also need to meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify:
The home must have a low energy efficiency rating (an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G – this will be assessed by Warmworks)
The household must meet one of the other qualifying criteria:
Annual household income of less than £30,000 (after tax and deductions)
Annual household income of less than £20,000 a year (after housing costs are deducted)
Unemployed and receiving benefits related to income, disability or health
Subject to an income payment agreement (such as bankruptcy, IVA or step change)
State pension age and receiving housing credit
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria above but struggle to heat your home and pay your fuel bills, get in touch with your local council or Citizens Advice. If you are in doubt about your eligibility for funding, you can contact Warmworks directly at newcastlesustainablewarmth@warmworks.co.uk and its team will be able to help.
How can I apply for the Sustainable Warmth scheme?
To apply for this scheme you must be a resident that is covered by the Newcastle City Council. If you would like to register your interest, you can do so by filling out an online application.
Ross Armstrong, Warmworks Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted that Warmworks is working in partnership with Newcastle City Council to deliver the Sustainable Warmth scheme. We are all aware of the challenges that are ahead in relation to rising energy prices and the impact that will have for people who are already struggling to stay affordably warm in their homes.
“This scheme can provide practical help – through heating, insulation and renewable technologies – that could make a significant impact in the coming months. Now is the right time to come forward and find out if you are eligible for support under the scheme, and taking a few short minutes to get in touch with us could help your home stay warmer for years ahead.”
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