Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has welcomed the announcement that the Housing Executive has increased the available grant amounts to those availing of the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
The government-funded Affordable Warmth Scheme helps tackle fuel poverty and energy inefficiency in privately owned houses and targets low income households.
You could get help to install insulation, central heating and new windows.
The Boiler Replacement Scheme is to help home owners with the cost of replacing boilers. The boiler must be at least 15 years old. It is for home owners with a total income of less than £40k.
Welcoming the recent increase to the amounts of money paid through the grants to successful applicants, North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan said:
“The Affordable Warmth Scheme is a grant that helps many privately owned property owners/occupiers to increase the energy efficiency of their property and reduce fuel poverty. The scheme can include measures such as installing loft insulation, boiler replacement, draught-proofing, and cavity wall insulation.
“With significantly increasing labour and material costs recently, many applicants have faced difficulty completing the required works for the grant amount they were receiving.
"I therefore welcome the news that the grant funding is being increased to take account of rising costs.”
You may receive up to £7,500 through the Affordable Warmth Scheme. The grant will depend on the energy efficiency measures recommended after inspection.
Your home may be of solid wall construction and it may need insulation. In these cases you may eligible for grant-aid up to £10,000, and you should not have to contribute to the work agreed through the Scheme.
Concluding, the local MLA said:
"Details on eligibility can be found on the Housing Executive website or by contacting my office on 028 2765 7198 where we can refer applicants to their local Affordable Warmth Co-ordinator."
"The scheme has benefitted many since its inception and I would encourage anyone who meets the eligibility to apply."