Big Demands for Insulation Grants
Wealden residents have responded in unprecedented numbers to offers of grant help for loft and cavity wall insulation.
In just eight weeks, the Council's Home Energy Efficiency Hotline has taken nearly 1000 calls from residents who want to save on energy bills and help cut down on harmful CO2 emissions.
"The new Home Energy Efficiency Grants, offering free cavity wall and loft insulation for many householders aged between 60 and 70, has really made a difference," said Councillor Dick Angel, Cabinet member for Affordable Housing at Wealden District Council. "In just eight weeks the number of enquiries received by our Home Energy Efficiency hotline has been double that received for the whole of last year.
"This new incentive, made possible through money from Wealden's successful bid to the Regional Housing Board, has really pushed the right buttons. But it does mean most of the available funding for the next three years has already been allocated."
"We shall be urging the Government to take note of how willing the people of Wealden are to act to reduce energy wasting in the home, and to act themselves by providing more funding," said Councillor Pam Doodes, Leader of Wealden District Council. "We take Climate Change seriously at Wealden and this scheme has proved an effective way of encouraging households to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions."
The response to the current scheme has been so great that grants for the second and third years of the Home Energy Efficiency scheme have already been allocated. It will mean that some of those households who have been successful will have to wait for these funding streams to become available.
The managing agency of the East Sussex insulation and renewables scheme, Climate Energy, is following up existing enquiries in order to arrange surveys and carry out the work as soon as possible. Due to the number of enquiries, we are asking people to be patient.
Householders still looking for help with loft and cavity wall insulation should get in touch with the local Energy Savings Trust Advice Centre who will be able to find what sort of schemes are available and what discounts are on offer.The number to ring is 0800 512 012.
Householders who are over 70 years old or are on benefits may still receive free insulation through a separate scheme funded by energy suppliers.
The huge interest in the scheme means that energy efficiency will be improved in a number of homes of people aged 60 to 70, who had previously missed out on grants. This will help reduce energy bills and associated CO2 emissions.
