NEW PROJECT MEANS BRIGG RESIDENTS COULD GET HELP KEEPING HOMES WARM THIS WINTER

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council has launched a new project through their South Humber Energy Efficiency Partnership (SHEEP), which offers homeowners and private renting tenants funding for energy-saving home improvements.
Funding is available for a wide range of measures, from cavity wall insulation to boiler upgrades.
In some cases, the work carried out can be fully funded through the scheme (subject to survey).
By improving the energy efficiency of your home, you will feel warmer and more comfortable and could save hundreds of pounds a year on your energy bills!
Get your home ready for winter with the SHEEP scheme. 
Funding is available for:

• Boiler upgrades (gas, oil and LPG)
• Central heating systems
• A-rated electric storage heaters
• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• External wall insulation

Funding is also available for homeowners who are suffering from a diagnosed cold-related illness such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or a terminal illness, who are living in a hard to treat home (older property with solid walls) or with an energy rating of E, F or G.
The government’s ECO programme is designed to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. The amount of funding provided is determined by the type of property you live in and what improvement you are having done.
In some circumstances, residents may need to meet specific qualifying criteria for funding to be released. Whereas sometimes, funding can be allocated based on your property type. It all depends on what energy saving home improvement you require.
To enquire about this funding, please contact North Lincolnshire Council on 01724 297000 and quote ‘SHEEP SCHEME’ or visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/homeassistanceenquiry (quote SHEEP when completing).
For further information visit www.northlincs.gov.uk and search for ‘affordable warmth’ or call the Affordable Warmth Officer on 01724 297000.
As from the 1 April 2018 there will be a requirement for any properties rented out in the private rented sector to normally have a minimum energy performance rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The regulations will come into force for new lets and renewals of tenancies with effect from 1 April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1 April 2020. It will be unlawful to rent a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum E rating, unless there is an applicable exemption.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, Cabinet Member for Safer, Greener and Cleaner Places, said: “For some keeping warm in their home isn’t always easy, but it is important during the cold winter months; especially for people who are most at risk of becoming ill. Additional funding is available for people who suffer from cold-related illnesses or have a terminal illness.
“The new project through South Humber Energy Efficiency Partnership will help those who need it the most and ensure their homes are efficient and warm.
“If you feel you could benefit from funding to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your bills, get in touch with the Affordable Warmth Officer or visit www.northlincs.gov.uk
“The changes that come into force on 1 April will mean that, for most landlords, they will no longer be able to rent out a property with a rating of F or G after 1 April 2018. Landlords with these properties should start preparing now.”