Cost of living crisis: Salford homeowners in line to get £5K help cutting fuel bills

Residents are being urged to see if they are eligible for the Warm Homes Fund.
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Salford homeowners could get up to £5,000 to help cut their fuel bills this winter.

Salford City Council is urging people to consider applying for the Warm Homes Fund national grant scheme which could help with replacing a faulty boiler, make a home weathertight and more energy efficient or simply provide curtains to keep warmth in.

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And with bills spiralling amid the cost of living crisis, residents are being encouraged to get in touch to see if they can get some financial help.

What has Salford City Council said?

Coun Sharmina August, lead member for inclusive economy, anti-poverty and equalities at Salford City Council, said: “Making their home more energy efficient could help people use less gas and electricity while still feeling warm and comfortable which will protect their health.

“One of the criteria for help from the Warm Homes Fund is financial hardship. People may think that only applies to those who are claiming benefits but with the rising cost of living someone could be earning a decent wage and still struggling to make ends meet.

Coun Sharmina August. Photo: Salford City CouncilCoun Sharmina August. Photo: Salford City Council
Coun Sharmina August. Photo: Salford City Council

“We’re urging anyone who thinks they could benefit from the fund to contact us. Staff from our health improvement service can advise people if they are likely to qualify for a grant and if not, we may be able to find other ways to get them the help they need.”

Who is eligible for the Warm Homes Fund?

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To be eligible for help from the Warm Homes Fund a household must be:

  • Owner-occupied, meaning they own the house or flat that they live in. The scheme is not open to people living in private rented accommodation or social housing
  • Claiming income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit or Tax Credits, or be claiming free school meals, or otherwise experiencing financial hardship.

Householdsmust also meet one of the following conditions:

  • Include someone over the age of 65
  • Include a child under five
  • Include someone with a diagnosed respiratory (breathing) condition, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis or lung cancer
  • Include someone with a diagnosed cardiovascular (heart) conditions, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke or high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Someone at substantial risk of developing cardiovascular (heart) disease or respiratory (breathing) conditions

Applicants should email health.improvement@salford.gov.uk with their name, email address and contact number or call 0800 952 1000 (option 2) between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday to find out more about the scheme and see if they qualify.