£100,000 boost to warm homes

FUNDING of over £100,000 will help an estimated 50 Oldham households get gas central heating for the first time.

Oldham Council won a share of a £25 million fund after entering a government competition to show how it would support residents in homes off the gas grid. The money means residents living in houses with outdated heating systems could save up to £1,000 a year and still stay warm.

The funding will be available through the existing Warm Homes Oldham project that has already helped more than 2,200 people out of fuel poverty across the borough.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, planning and transport, said: “We are pleased we’ve been awarded this money and it will be used to help even more households in Oldham get out of fuel poverty.

The money is intende for households forced to use the most expensive types of heating, such as plug-in electric heaters. Anyone who thinks they could benefit is urged to contact the Warm Homes Oldham scheme as soon as possible. Details at www.warmhomesoldham.org.