Funding available for help with winter household energy measures

A new funding scheme is available to South Ribble home owners to help insulate their homes for winter, measures available include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, boiler replacements and  boiler servicing for those who meet the criteria below.

Being on a low income, living in a thermal inefficient home, having higher heating needs and high fuel costs can all increase the risks of living in a cold home.  The funding is aimed at those most vulnerable to harm from cold or damp homes.  This could include a wide range of individuals who either are, or are at serious risk of, experiencing poor health and wellbeing due to a cold home. 

The funding, from Lancashire County Council, will meet the full cost of the measures for home owners who meet the criteria.

Councillor Michael Titherington South Ribble Borough Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: "This funding is available to vulnerable residents to help them pay for measures to improve home efficiency and reduce heating costs. I encourage anyone that thinks they are eligible to apply for funding and get the benefit of improved winter warmth in their home. Also if you know of anyone vulnerable that may benefit from this funding please pass on the information.

South Ribble Together offers lots of advice on support through the winter months. South Ribble Borough Council has encouraged local organisations to join the Warm Welcome campaign where they can offer a free, warm and welcoming space to local residents. There are now several local spaces including Churches that have joined the scheme. Details can be found on the South Ribble Together web pages. 

Funding applications can be made to: strategichousing@southribble.gov.uk or telephone 01772 625625

The closing date for applications is 31 March 2023 or until funding has been spent

Funding criteria

Households will be eligible for funding if they meet at least one of the following vulnerabilities and have a low income.

Vulnerabilities:

• people with a diagnosed cardiovascular conditions
• people with a diagnosed respiratory conditions (in particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and childhood asthma)
• people with diagnosed mental health conditions
• people with diagnosed disabilities
• older people (65 and older)
• households with young children (up to the age of 5)
• pregnant women
• people who are terminally ill
• people with suppressed immune systems (e.g. from cancer treatment or HIV)
• people who have  attended hospital due to a fall
• The following vulnerable groups will be considered on referral from a professional organisation
• people who move in and out of homelessness
• people with addictions
• Recent immigrants and refugees.

Low income

Low income can be confirmed in one of the following three ways:

• someone being in receipt of means tested benefits
• have a total household income not in excess of £31,000
• A declaration by the Local Authority or health/social care professional that affordability issues are present