A new scheme is aiming to help get people in Lichfield and Burntwood out of fuel poverty.
Households that aren’t connected to gas, and meet certain eligibility criteria, could get a new fully-funded central heating system in their home as part of the Staffordshire Warmer Homes initiative.
It is being rolled out throughout the region in July, before making its way across the rest of the county.
Up to 1,000 ‘fuel poor’ households in Staffordshire could benefit from the initiative.
Deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council and Cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing Cllr Alan White said: “Fuel poverty affects thousands of people across the country. This contributes to a number of health problems, as respiratory, cardiovascular and mobility conditions can be made worse if an individual is living in a cold home.
“We’re keen to ensure that as many eligible people in Lichfield as possible find out more about the scheme and apply, so we can identify all those who are at risk of fuel poverty and related health risks, provide support and advice, and get them the help they need.”
The £150million Warm Homes Fund has been established by National Grid to support local authorities to address some of the issues affecting households.
Councillor Ashley Yeates, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet member for communities and housing, added: “We’re pleased to be working with the county council and E.ON to promote this scheme to our residents.
“Central heating makes a huge difference to health and wellbeing. We don’t want any of our residents to miss out on the advantages of central heating because they can’t afford the installation costs.
“Having the installation covered and the work arranged, means that eligible local homes can benefit from being warmer and cheaper to heat.”
Eligible households are being written to directly, but others who think they might be eligible are being urged to go to www.staffordshire.gov.uk/warmerhomes or call E.ON on 0333 202 4481 to find out more.
