Winning bid for Warm Homes Funding

People living in cold houses or struggling with heating bills will benefit this winter from a £190,000 Government grant to Somerset County Council.

The Council's Warm Homes project will build on the good work already being done by local councils, the NHS and voluntary organisations to give practical help and advice to vulnerable people in poorly heated homes.

The grant will fund extra training for front-line workers and volunteers in what help is available, and see 20 public events taking place in the New Year to get that information to as many people as possible.

It will also cover the supplying and fitting of 200 free 'Warm Home kits' - which include draft excluders, tank jackets and pipe lagging - to those in greatest need.

Cabinet Member Cllr Christine Lawrence said: " A warm home is vital for keeping people healthy, particularly children, the elderly and the chronically ill. With this Department of Health money we can do even more to help protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

"There are many organisations providing great advice and assistance. By working together I'm sure there will be a hugely positive impact not just this winter, but in future winters too."

Somerset County Council successfully bid for the grant from the Department of Health's Warm Homes Healthy People fund.

The Council will use data provided by NHS Somerset and five district councils to target areas of Somerset thought to have cold homes, particularly those owned by people experiencing fuel poverty or private landlords.

Anyone who wants to find out more about what help may be available to keep their homes warm this winter should contact their local district council:
Taunton Deane Borough Council: 01823 356356
Sedgemoor District Council: 0845 4082540
South Somerset District Council: 01935 462462
West Somerset District Council: 01643 703704
Mendip District Council: 01749 648999.