Funding to install central heating systems

Eirene and Bob Holt with their new central heating system

Additional funding has been secured for a scheme to help the boroughs residents stay warm over winter.

Around 40 properties have already had gas central heating installed for the first time, under the scheme with residents expected to save between £120 and £200 on their heating bills over the year.

Funding has been secured to install around 80 more gas central heating systems free of charge in homes which currently don’t have one.

It is estimated that around 1,000 homes in Rochdale don’t currently have central heating, with the householders instead having to rely on expensive methods of heating their home, like gas fires or storage heaters.

The scheme is funded through the National Grid Warm Homes Fund, which is designed to help households living in fuel poverty across the country who struggle to pay for heating and are using expensive or inefficient systems.

Councillor Linda Robinson, assistant to the cabinet member for Planning, Development and Housing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “People who don’t have gas central heating tend to spend more money heating their home and some even stay cold because they can’t afford to put the heating on.

“Installation of a new central heating system can cost up to £3,500, so to get one free of charge is a great opportunity which I would urge residents to take up.”

Bob and Eirene Holt from Middleton have just had central heating fitted in their home as part of the scheme.

Bob said: “We had all sorts of different heating systems in place before and it was really inefficient. It was so expensive to run that in winter we would just sit in the front room and have the fire on. We had to stay in one room to keep warm.

“This scheme has made a massive difference. The work was done really quickly and we now have a constant temperature throughout the house. We were really surprised to discover we qualified, as we assumed, we’d have to be on benefits. I would definitely urge people to find out more. It only takes one phone call.”

People can only qualify if they don’t currently have a gas central heating system. The scheme, which is open to home owners and people who are renting their property, is first come, first served, so people are advised to get in touch soon.

Residents can find out more by phoning: 0800 060 7567.