Free central heating systems are being offered to Trafford residents in time for the cold winter months.
The limited offer is part of Greater Manchester Warm Homes Fund which will install fully funded ‘first-time’ central heating systems to 500 homes across Greater Manchester on a first come first served basis.
It aims to provide a helping hand to vulnerable households that do not currently have a central heating system and who, during the colder months, are struggling to stay warm. It is open to owner occupiers and to private tenants (with their landlord’s permission) who meet certain eligibility criteria based on income, health or other personal circumstances. The scheme is set to run throughout 2018-19 but will close to new applications once all the funds have been allocated so qualifying households are encouraged to apply without delay.
The £1.8 million funding for the scheme has been secured by GMCA and the local authorities from the nationwide Warm Homes Fund established by the National Grid and administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions.
To check eligibility, Trafford residents should call Leap on 0800 060 7567. For more information see www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/warmhomesfund
Cllr Kevin Procter, Trafford Council Executive Member for Communities and Housing, said: “There are thousands of homes in Trafford that do not have central heating. Residents instead rely on expensive heaters which may be dangerous and provide inadequate warmth. Many householders cannot afford to run these for very long periods during the day, and are therefore getting cold as a result of this.
“It is not right that in this day and age people are getting into debt, or falling ill because it’s too expensive to heat their homes properly.
“This initiative is a great example of public and private sector agencies coming together to make a real difference to people’s lives. If you know anyone that would benefit, or anyone that works with households in fuel poverty, please let them know.”
Posted on Friday 14th September 2018