Grants available to Stay Warm and Stay
Healthy
The impact of living in
insufficiently warm homes can be severe, especially for those that
are vulnerable, elderly or disabled. For
example, in Britain the number of 'excess winter deaths' or the
number of deaths over and above the number in other seasons, can
average about 30,000. This is thought to be due
to poor insulation and damp conditions because other, much colder,
European countries also have much lower levels of excess winter
mortality.
Symptoms of living in inadequately heated
housing include:
- Respiratory infections
- Cardiovascular
problems/stroke
- Accidents, as cold can slow mental
process
- Depression
- Hypothermia
In the lounge the temperature
should be about 21°C, and 16°C in the
rest of the house.
There are two forms of grants for
household insulation. The Warm Front, supported
by government funds scheme provides 100% grants to those on certain
benefits for insulation and heating improvements it could even
install central heating up to a value of £2700.
Note that this could apply even if the resident is in private
rented accommodation and is on benefits, with the landlords
approval for works.
Additionally, there is legislation that
requires utility companies, such as NPower, British Gas, etc, to provide funding to
reduce energy use. You may be able to access this funding for
insulation even if you are not a customer. Look on their websites
for current offers.
Note that summer is the best time to
arrange for insulation and heating works as they will tend to be
cheaper, and also the waiting period will be reduced.
Contact Solent Energy Efficiency
Advice Centre for full comprehensive advice - 0800 512
012
Contact Warm Front 0800 316
2814 if you are claiming benefits to arrange a
survey.
Do ensure that any insulation
installer you deal with are registered with the Cavity Guaranty
Insurance Association
www.ciga.co.uk