South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 09/03/2016

Hundreds of households in South Gloucestershire that currently don’t have central heating may be eligible for a grant of up to £4,000 to have a new system installed.

South Gloucestershire Council successfully led a consortium bid to secure £3.2 million of government funding to target the least energy efficient homes first. These properties currently have no central heating system or are heated by ‘on peak’ electric systems or plug-in heaters and we propose to install gas central heating via modern energy efficient condensing combination boilers.

The proposal targets domestic properties within the five local authorities* that:
• Live in fuel poverty
• Do not have a central heating system
• Live in properties with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of E, F or G.

The funding is available until 31 August 2016 and will help households overcome the significant barrier of high upfront costs by funding the installation of complete central heating systems, including the heating source, pipework and radiators.

Communities Committee Chair Cllr Heather Goddard said: “This funding will help us to improve the living conditions of some of the most vulnerable residents in South Gloucestershire. We want to ensure that homes are provided with modern heating systems which are both fuel efficient and affordable to run; not only keeping properties warm during the colder months but also making savings on fuel bills. The grant is financed through Central Government funding, not through Council Tax, so householders who meet the qualifying criteria do not have to repay the cost.”

The scheme, run by Warm and Well, is predominantly aimed at properties that are currently heated by costly ‘on peak’ electric systems, although the replacement of other forms of heating systems will also be considered. The aim is to replace these with modern energy efficient condensing boilers, which could save a household on average £250 a year, based on a family in a three bed semi-detached house.

Jon Clarke, manager of the Warm and Well scheme, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to get central heating systems installed in hundreds of homes in the South Gloucestershire area that are finding it difficult to afford to pay for more expensive forms of energy such as electricity and solid fuel. Households most at need will be targeted first with the funding so that their homes are warmer and cheaper to heat.”

The initiative is administered by the Severn Wye Energy Agency charity, who are now taking referrals from prospective residents across South Gloucestershire.

Further information and energy efficiency advice is available by calling the Warm and Well advice line on 0800 500 3076, by emailing warm&well@severnwye.org.uk or by texting ‘WARM’ to 83010.

Anyone considering installing a central heating system should also ensure that their home is insulated. Householders may be entitled to a grant for cavity wall and loft insulation through the Warm and Well scheme, which can save £160 per year on fuel bills. All grants are subject to a survey and availability.