With autumn here, winter heating bills will be next and, to help residents manage them better, grants for efficient boilers and insulation are being issued by City of York Council.
A scheme to help residents install loft and cavity wall insulation will be running throughout the winter and the council is encouraging people to get improvements done now, before the weather turns really cold.
Help is focused on Micklegate, Guildhall, Fishergate, Clifton and Holgate wards where a British Research Establishment study at the end of 2015 shows that many households in these areas may struggle to keep their homes warm and healthy during the winter months.
Homeowners with annual incomes below £20,000 per year in these five wards could be eligible for completely free loft and cavity wall insulation. While those with annual incomes between £20,000 and £35,000 could receive 75 percent towards the cost of the improvements. There’s help available to landlords too if residents qualify.
In other parts of the city, residents with low incomes and high heating costs may also be able to receive help, so it’s worth calling to find out. The council is also offering interest-free loans for replacement gas boilers for homeowners with incomes below £20,000 per year. The scheme is part of a programme funded by the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, administered by City of York Council.
Please call 01904 552300 to see if you’re eligible or to find out more detail, or email housing.standards@york.gov.uk .
For help with energy debts or other advice contact Citizens Advice on 03444 111 444 or visit https://www.citizensadvicehrs.org.uk/ .