Liverpool Direct Limited (LDL) is helping to heat up the homes of some of the city's poorest families.

The council's joint venture with BT, which assists people with a vast array of inquiries, is helping more than 4,000 families access 'Warm Front' grants worth up to a staggering £5.5 million.

The government-backed grants of up to £2,700 can be used to help low-income families with the cost of heating, draught proofing or better insulation.

Councillor Berni Turner, Liverpool's Executive Member for the Environment, said: "I'm delighted that we are helping to heat up the homes of some of the city's neediest families. We have all been hit in the pocket by massive increases in the cost of heating recently, and this initiative helps save people save money by making their homes more energy efficient.


"It is estimated that in a typical home, half the heat escapes through the walls and the loft. So the cost to both the environment and people who live in the property is immense. This scheme is a real win-win for everyone.

"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. Our Benefits Maximisation teams try and make sure that people do access all the benefits they are fully entitled to."

LDL wrote to 31,000 Benefit Service customers who they thought could be eligible for the scheme and provided details of how to apply.

Already, several thousand low income households in Liverpool have made appointments for a Warm Front representative to come to their homes to assess the help they are entitled to. This is expected to increase further over the coming weeks.

(CD/JM)