Get insulated against the cold

RESIDENTS struggling to warm their homes during the big freeze are being told it’s not too late to get help.

Since Oldham Council launched its Warmth for Health scheme nearly 400 residents have rung the Energy Savings Trust (EST) to take advantage of free or highly subsidised loft and cavity wall insulation.

This has seen people benefit from more than £100,000 worth of investment in their homes through utility company funding in only three months.

The council teamed up with the EST to offer residents loft and cavity wall insulation through accredited installers and to provide energy efficiency advice.

Free loft or cavity wall insulation is currently available to any Oldham residents in the following categories: anyone over 70; anyone on qualifying benefits (disability living allowance, attendance allowance, tax credit or means tested benefits); anyone with an illness made worse in cold or damp; people with respiratory diseases such as COPD (including emphysema and bronchitis), asthma, cystic fibrosis; sufferers from cardio vascular diseases, heart attack or stroke; musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis, damaged joints or severe, chronic back pain, or mental health problems.

Those who don’t qualify can still get loft or cavity wall insulation at a subsidised £95. Funding is limited and the £95 offer is available only until March.

Call EST on 0800-512 012, or email eeac@manchester.gov.uk, quoting “Oldham health scheme”.