Vulnerable households across Daventry District are being offered a helping hand to reduce their energy bills from the Warm Homes Fund.

The Northants Warm Homes partnership has secured nearly £4 million to provide fully-funded gas central heating for fuel poor homes across Northamptonshire that do not already have it.

The money will be matched by other grant monies and by contributions from landlords and local authorities to ensure that eligible homes will not need to pay a penny.

The households eligible for the Warm Homes Fund are those most in need of support, including people on a low income that have high energy bills, and who are vulnerable to the cold because of health conditions.

Both owner-occupiers and private tenants can apply, though tenants will need the permission of their landlord. The project aims to put ‘first-time’ gas central heating in homes, so properties with central heating powered by oil, or in villages which are off the gas network, are not eligible.

The Warm Homes Fund scheme will run until 2021 and fit efficient gas central heating in around 1,400 fuel-poor homes across the county. It is run by Surefire Management Services on behalf of local authorities in the county, including Daventry District Council.

Councillor Richard Auger, Environmental Health and Housing Portfolio Holder on Daventry District Council, said: “This Council believes that everyone should have a good quality and safe place to live.

“Being able to heat your home properly and efficiently is an important part of that and we hope this new programme will help reduce fuel poverty and have a positive impact on people’s health.

“I would urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to visit the website or call the freephone number to find out more.”

Nationally, the Warm Homes Fund has been established by National Grid and is administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions.

Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Affordable Warmth Solutions, said: “We are excited about this investment from National Grid and are delighted to support Daventry District Council to fund the scheme to address fuel poverty across their area.

“Solving the issues associated with fuel poverty continues to challenge many of our stakeholders and the feedback we’ve already received provides evidence of how the Warm Homes Fund will make a positive difference to thousands of homes throughout Great Britain.”

All support through the Warm Homes Fund scheme is subject to the eligibility criteria.

To find out more visit www.northantswarmhomes.com or phone 0800 029 4542. All visits will be by appointment only and assessors will carry photo ID.

Residents can also access advice and support to improve their home’s energy efficiency and reduce their bills at www.northamptonshireenergysavingservice.org.uk