A scheme to help landlords improve energy efficiency for elderly tenants and tenants with very young children

The Press Release below has been copied from the Teignbridge District Council web site, and I also attach the link. I would urge any residents who think that their landlord may be eligible, or indeed landlord to contact TDC Housing and see if they qualify. It would be great to use the money set aside for this project, rather than have some left over.

If you are not a tenant etc. but know of someone or a family who might qualify, get them to check it out with TDC.

Thanks

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15836

Tenants most likely to be in need of a helping hand might soon be benefitting from a council scheme to help keep homes warm and energy bills down.

Teignbridge District Council has launched a new £20k drive to encourage private landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, offering funding up to £575 or 50% of the cost of work.  Measures included in the scheme include loft and cavity wall insulation, installing new 'A' rated gas condensing boilers and installing or replacing a central heating system.  In exceptional cases where no alternative is available, it may even pay towards installing night storage heaters.

To take part in the scheme, landlords must be completing work on an occupied property or one available for occupation.  Importantly, the assistance is only available where their tenant or subsequent tenant meets certain criteria that make them more likely to benefit from the financial benefits of an energy efficient home.  Tenants must be either in receipt of a means tested benefit, or aged 70 or over, or have a child less than six years old.

The scheme aims to reduce fuel poverty and make sure that those who need it most benefit from a warm home with more manageable energy bills; while for landlords it offers a cost-effective way to improve their property for the long term.

Cllr Philip Vogel, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Housing and Planning said:

'This scheme is part of a series of ongoing initiatives being promoted by Teignbridge District Council to assist in the improvement of residents' well being.

"Many of us take a warm home for granted, but in some cases residents are having to make the choice between keeping warm and putting food on the table. These can be difficult choices for both the elderly and those with very young children. This scheme is designed to help those residents in most need.

"We work with many private landlords across the district to promote good quality homes to let, and the vast majority are conscientious and mindful of their responsibilities to their tenants. This scheme is a means of acknowledging our partnership commitment by offering a more affordable way to improve their properties."

Cllr Kevin Lake, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Environmental Services added:

"This is great news for landlords and more vulnerable tenants, complementing our existing discount home insulation scheme for home owners and private tenants.

"Aside from lowering bills and making finances more manageable, this scheme will play an important role in helping our environment by keeping carbon emissions down.  I'd encourage all private landlords with qualifying tenants, or those planning to let to such tenants, to make the most of this scheme while the offers are available."

Applications will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis, with a total funding pot of £20k available.  The maximum grant assistance will be up to £575 per property or 50% of the cost of the works, whichever is the lower, to include:

• £175 towards loft insulation and/or cavity wall insulation.
• £400 towards the installation of a new/replacement 'A' rated gas condensing boiler
• £400 towards the installation of a new central heating system or a new/replacement boiler.

The scheme does not cover work which has already been completed prior to applying, and applications must be made by private landlords rather than tenants.  Any landlord wishing to apply or find out more can visit www.teignbridge.gov.uk/Schemes, emailhousing@teignbridge.gov.uk, or call 01626 215764.  Applications are being welcomed now, and the scheme will keep running until funding has been used up.

ENDS