Fuel poor families urged to check eligibility for government funding

Residents are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for government funding to help improve the energy efficiency of their own homes.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has published a Statement of Intent (SOI) for flexible eligibility criteria for the city – meaning more residents will now be eligible for energy efficiency measures through the Energy Company Obligation Scheme, Phase Four (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

Both schemes enable residents to apply for funding for measures which will reduce energy usage in private homes including wall, loft and roof insulation and upgraded heating systems.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and planning, said: “Everybody deserves to live in a safe and warm home. That’s why we’ve made tackling fuel poverty one of our key objectives.

“Publishing the Statement of Intent will help more residents in the city to access energy efficiency measures, helping to reduce bills and ensure that people’s homes are comfortable and warm.” 

To be eligible for assistance through the schemes, home owners and private renters must be on means tested benefits or have a gross household income of £31,000 or below.

Flexible eligibility means residents may also be able to receive help if they meet wider criteria which can include:

• Residents living in areas with high levels of fuel poverty;
• A person living at the premises is entitled to a Council Tax reduction on the grounds of low-income (excludes single person rebates);
• A person living at the premises has a health condition made worse by the cold;
• A child living at the premises is eligible for free school meals, due to low-income.

To find out more and get help to apply, residents can contact the council’s energy advice service, Beat the Cold, by calling 01782 914915, emailing enquiries@beatcold.org.uk or by completing the ‘contact us’ form at www.beatcold.org

Alternatively, for residents who are finding it particularly difficult to manage their finances, help is at hand. The city council is working with partners to ensure people are receiving all of the support they’re entitled to when it comes to money and debt, energy, food and health.

For support visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/helpisathand.