FACTSHEET No. 60 Help with Heating This factsheet is a basic introduction to the help with heating available. UK heating SchemesThere are a number of government funded schemes across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, which provide help with heating. In England there is a new Warm Front scheme supposedly available in England from April 2011 if you live in a household with poor thermal efficiency and you are in receipt of certain means tested benefits. To apply, or for further information, contact the Eaga Contact Centre (0800 316 2805). In Northern Ireland the Warm Homes scheme provides insulation grants to owner occupiers and private tenants who are disabled, over 60 or with children under 16, and who are in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Warm Homes Plus provides grants for insulation and repair or installation of central heating for householders over 60 in receipt of a qualifying benefit. For enquiries and applications, ring 0800 988 0559. In Scotland the Energy Assistance Package aims to help maximise incomes, reduce fuel bills and improve energy efficiency in homes.For more information ring the Energy Saving Trust Advice Line (0800 512 012). In Wales there is a new Fuel Poverty Programme, managed by British Gas. The social fund also provides cold weather and winter fuel payments. For information on these schemes see Factsheet F41 - the social fund. Other helpThe social fund provides cold weather and winter fuel payments. For information on these schemes see our Factsheet F52 - the social fund. Advice on heatingThe Home Heat Helpline (www.homeheathelpline.org) offers help and advice for anyone living in England, Scotland and Wales. The line advises on payment methods, grants and benefits such as winter fuel payments, cold weather payments, pension credits, disability benefits and age related payments. Advisers will also offer help on how to stay healthy in cold weather and how to conserve heat. The Home Heat Helpline telephone number is 0800 33 66 99. It is free to call and is open from 9am–8pm Monday to Friday and 10am–2pm on Saturdays. There is also a free Minicom number, which is 0800 027 2122. The Energy Saving Trust (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) has a network of local advice centres throughout the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/northernireland) as well as online information. You can request a call back from your local advice centre by calling 0800 512 012. Where can I find other information?The Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) web site (www.defra.gov.uk) has information about and advice on how to deal with fuel poverty. The Department of Health has produced a number of leaflets:
These are available on the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk. You can obtain more information about these factsheets and publications by contacting CARA on +44 (0) 844 478 0015 -Mob: +44 (0) 795 695 2645 -Fax: +44 (0) 872 115 8436 -Email: info@cara-online.org. Updated 8 April |