Harrogate Borough Council
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Over 60s get free loft and cavity insulation
WITH the threat of the coldest winter for a decade,
Harrogate Borough Council is extending its grants for free loft and
cavity wall insulation to anyone aged over 60 living in council tax
bands A B or C.
Often people who fall outside the criteria for getting grants
a small occupational pension of just £1 per week can push
them over the boundary for eligibility need just as much support as
those who are in receipt of benefits which automatically entitles
them to help.
Harrogate Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor
Jean Butterfield, has today approved this extension to the
scheme. She said: "We believe
that because of the recent steep increases in fuel prices there
will be new households suffering fuel poverty for the first time
this winter particularly those with residents over the age of
60. In the last two years, the average household
gas bill has risen from £327 to £445.
"Using the council tax banding will help us make sure we reach
the most vulnerable households. We want to hear
from anyone aged 60 and over, living in a house in council tax
bands A, B and C, which doesn't have loft or cavity wall
insulation. These are simple, cost effective
measures that can help keep heating costs down and also help keep
homes warm. And even if they fall outside this
grant extension, we can point them in the direction of where other
help may be available." ENDS
A limited amount of funding is available so anyone interested
should quickly contact the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, York on
0800 512012 who are organising the distribution of this and other
grant funding.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Councillor Jean
Butterfield is available for comment on 01423
770381. Further information on home energy
conservation is available from Mr Andrew Ellis, the council's Home
Energy Conservation Officer on 01423 556802.