Council spreads net for Affordable Warmth Grants

City of Wolverhampton Council continues to spread the net far and wide when it comes to ensuring vulnerable private sector residents get their hands on Affordable Warmth Grant Assistance.

Affordable Warmth Grants
Affordable Warmth Grants

Wolverhampton has always been at the forefront in promoting the scheme, which it has been delivering for more than 15 years in the battle against fuel poverty.

It is one of the few local authorities that supplements central government contributions with its own funding to ensure those residents whose health is at risk due to living in cold/damp conditions are able to keep their homes warm.

Councillor Peter Bilson, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: “As a local authority we do a lot to target fuel poverty in Wolverhampton.

“Our Affordable Warmth Grant Assistance scheme is tailored to meet the demands of the city population.

“The grant plays a vital role in helping local residents whose health is adversely affected by living in a cold or damp property and ensures that qualifying residents receive high standard heating systems that are economic to run.”

To qualify for an Affordable Warmth Assistance grant the resident must meet 4 criteria:

(i)     be an owner occupier living in the City of Wolverhampton

(ii)   be in receipt of at least 1 income related benefit or a benefit related to disability

(iii) be judged to be at risk of serious ill health due to living in a cold/damp home

(iv)  the property must be in council tax band A, B or C – properties in a higher band will only receive assistance in exceptional circumstances

Up to 200 grants a year are available. The maximum grant is £5,000, while the average grant allocated is £2,700.

The help does not just stop with grants – but is followed up with a service that hand holds vulnerable people through the process of the works needed.

Possible works include fitting full central heating systems, replacing boilers, replacing/adding radiators to a system, providing heating controls, fitting cavity wall and/or loft insulation where appropriate and offering advice on reducing energy and paying fuel bills.

For more information contact City of Wolverhampton Council Private Sector Housing Improvement Officers Mandy Findlay (mandy.findlay@wolverhampton.gov.uk/01902 551346) or Lynda Eyton (Lynda.eyton@wolverhampton.gov.uk/01902 555706.

The Affordable Warmth Grant is supported by Wolverhampton Home Improvement Service (WHIS), which provides help and advice to keep people safe and secure at home. They offer a free handy person service, free gas safety checks, essential maintenance, grants to remove hazards from the home and advice on making your home safe.

Phil Bateman

Phil Bateman is Married to Mary and lives in Wednesfield North. He was a long serving local politician having served previously on the now defunct West Midlands County Council... read more

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