Up to 30,000 people in Liverpool could receive grants worth thousands of pounds to keep their homes warm.

The city council has teamed up with the government-funded Warm Front Team to write to people on benefits inviting them to apply for a grant of up to £2,700.

Those on qualifying benefits who own their own homes, or rent a private property, could be entitled to a grant towards energy-efficient measures including loft and cavity-wall insulation, draught proofing, heating and energy-saving light bulbs.

A £300 heating rebate is also available for people over 60 towards the cost of a central heating system, or related repairs if they do not receive benefits.


Application forms inviting people to apply for the grant are dropping through letter boxes across the city. The forms also include details of who is entitled to help, and a freephone helpline provided by Warm Front.

Deputy Council Leader and Executive Member for Finance, Councillor Flo Clucas, said: "We have all been hit in the pocket by massive increases in the cost of heating recently, and this initiative helps save people money by making their homes more energy efficient.

"I am pleased that we have been able to team up with the Warm Front Team to target those who we believe could benefit from this scheme."

The project is being co-ordinated by the Benefits Service, which is run by Liverpool Direct Limited (LDL), the city council's joint venture partnership with BT. It has identified people who it believes may be eligible, and is writing to them on behalf of the Warm Front Team.

Councillor Steve Hurst, Executive Member for Corporate Performance, which includes Liverpool Direct, added: "It is estimated that in a typical home, half the heat that is lost escapes through the walls and the loft.

"The cost to both the environment and the individual who lives in the property is immense and this scheme is a real win-win for everyone."

(CD/JM)