Warm Homes Fund now available to district’s residents

​Wakefield Council is urging residents to apply for a new scheme that has launched to install first time gas central heating in their homes.

Through Better Homes Wakefield, the Council will arrange for free gas-fired central heating systems and gas connections to be installed in qualifying households. The work, which is being funded through the Warm Homes Fund, will be carried out by the Council’s approved contractors, Scarbrook Heating & Plumbing Ltd and is hassle-free.

​Cllr Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Poverty, said: “Gas central heating improves home energy efficiency and helps to reduce fuel bills over the winter.

“We also know that poverty is a significant issue affecting many thousands of people nationwide as well as here, in our district.  As a local authority we are committed to supporting residents by providing support to help lift people out of poverty.

“We know that residents who have been helped through similar Council schemes have not been able to believe the difference a warm home has made to them and their family and have said they would urge anyone to apply for our schemes.”

The Council is backing the scheme as part of its drive to reduce fuel poverty and help residents save energy and money.

Eligible residents must not have a central heating system already installed. Households that are using electric storage heaters or coal fired heating systems, or have no heating at all, are urged to apply as there is a good chance they will qualify.

If approved, householders will be offered new heating systems on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualifying owner occupiers will receive the system at no cost.

Wakefield residents who own their own home and wish to find out if they are eligible for a grant should call the Council’s Home Energy Team on 01924 305887 or email energyteam@wakefield.gov.uk