South Staffordshire Council is urging residents to register for the Staffordshire Warm Homes Fund that could save them money on their heating bills.  

The funding scheme is aimed at residents who are struggling with their heating bills and using expensive electric heaters and open fires. It allows residents to switch to gas central heating and funds first time gas connections and the installation of central heating and radiators.  

Ten households in South Staffordshire have already benefited from the scheme with new central heating installed in their home, but there is still funding available and the Council wants more residents to take advantage of this great opportunity.  

Councillor Roger Lees, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said, “Switching to gas central heating saves you money on your heating bills and can improve the warmth of your home. We are particularly keen to find homes in villages in South Staffordshire where other properties are on mains gas but some houses haven't been connected to the gas for heating. We are urging residents to also think of any friends or family members in the district that could benefit from the scheme.  

“Residents will qualify for full funding automatically if they claim certain benefits or tax credits. Lower income households may also qualify without the need to be on benefits, so I'd encourage anyone without gas central heating and with large heating bills to contact the scheme to find out more."  

Davina Allen, Project Manager at Warmer Homes South Staffordshire, said, “Central heating can make a huge difference to household bills - which are a particular worry for many people at the moment. Installing gas central heating can save as much as £350 a year, along with the initial saving of around £4,500 for the system itself.  

“We can help install first time heating for those that qualify, but we can also offer a range of energy advice and support over the phone, online and face-to-face at home. We are working hard to protect residents and colleagues at this time, so home visits will only be carried out when it is safe to do. I'd encourage anyone who thinks we could help to get in touch - we can keep in contact by telephone to keep you up to date on your application."  

For information and to apply, residents should contact South Staffordshire Warmer Homes on Freephone 0800 193 1902 or email advice@mea.org.uk.  

More information on the scheme can be found at www.staffordshirewarmerhomes.co.uk