Lib Dem Action sees over 3,000 Warmer Homes this Winter

12.00.00am GMT Fri 15th Jan 2010

The weather may be cold outside, but more than 3,000 homes are now warmer within, thanks to a ground-breaking scheme introduced by Liberal Democrats on Sheffield City Council. Sheffield City council's Free Insulation Scheme was launched in April 2009. It offers free loft and wall cavity insulation to homeowners and private tenants and is being rolled out on an area by area basis, as well as all those aged 70 or over, or on qualifying benefits city wide. So far it has seen more than 3,150 homes insulated for free.

So far more than 7,000 homes have been signed up to the program, aimed at tackling householders' high energy bills and reducing carbon emissions.

In total, almost 29,000 properties have been contacted about the scheme, and even houses which don't require any additional insulation, can receive information on money saving tips and carbon reduction pointers. 223 homes have been referred to a boiler replacement scheme and 72 households are to receive a Warm Front heating grant.

Councillor Bob McCann Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Sustainable Communities said: -

"With the cold snap we've been experiencing it's more important than ever that local people can keep their homes warm, without seeing energy bills go through the roof. Therefore I'm delighted that there are over 3,000 warmer homes this Winter thanks to Liberal Democrat action."

The first wards targeted by the scheme are Walkley, Manor Castle, Arbourthorne and Hillsborough. All private households in these areas can contact the Council to sign up to the scheme.

In addition to people living in these wards, anyone aged over 70, or in receipt of benefits can sign up for free insulation and will not have to wait for the scheme to come to their area.

Bob added "I would urge anyone in these areas or those who are eligible to get in contact to sign up to the free scheme. All you have to do is call 0800 915 9096 and teh Council will take care of the rest absolutely free. It really is that easy!

"With the rising cost of heating bills and the ongoing recession many people are left with the difficult choice of heating or eating. In a modern society this simply isn't acceptable, therefore I'm glad that the Lib Dem Council is doing everything it can to help."

See Contact details for local resident enquiries about the scheme below:

Free Phone: 0800 915 9096 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday)

Email: insulation@sheffield.gov.uk

By post: SHAW Team, Floor 2, New Bank House, 100 Queen Street, Sheffield, S1 2WA

Or visit the Council website: www.sheffield.gov.uk/freeinsulation

Households who are eligible for the scheme immediately are:

A household where one of the residents is aged 70 or over; or in receipt of one of these benefits:

> Council tax benefit (not including single person reduction)

> Housing benefit

> Income support

> Income based jobseekers allowance

> Attendance allowance

> Disability living allowance

> Disablement pension (must include a constant attendance allowance)

> Child tax credit (when household income is £16,040 or less)

> Working tax credit (when household income is £16,040 or less)

> State pension credit

> War disablement pension (must include a mobility supplement or a constant attendance allowance)

> Income-related employment and support allowance