Free Central Heating Scheme Extended for Scarborough Borough Residents

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 07:36

By Matthew Pells

Residents without central heating could benefit from a scheme that provides A-rated gas central heating to reduce their fuel bills and improve the warmth of their home.

So far, 99 residents in the borough of Scarborough, Ryedale, Hambleton and Richmondshire have had central heating installed, thanks to funding from the North Yorkshire Warm Homes Fund scheme. These residents are already benefiting from the warmth provided by their new heating systems.

Scarborough Borough Council is working with North Yorkshire County Council to help homeowners and private renting tenants currently using inefficient storage heaters, room heaters or fires get better quality heating at no cost. The project is managed by YES Energy Solutions on behalf of the borough and district councils, and installations are completed by their industry accredited contractors.

To qualify for the funding, residents must either be in receipt of certain state benefits, or have a household income below £30,000 and meet additional criteria which includes having young children, being a pregnant woman, being over 70 or having certain health conditions.

Cllr Carl Maw, Scarborough Borough Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities and Housing, said:

“We’re committed to helping our residents reduce their fuel bills and stay warm in their homes. We’d encourage anyone who thinks that they meet the criteria to contact Yes Energy Solutions, so that they can get the support they’re entitled to. If the winter we’ve just had made your home cold and difficult to heat, don’t let next winter be another where you struggle to stay warm.”

Funding for the North Yorkshire scheme is secured from the Warm Homes Fund – an innovative funding stream established by National Grid and administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions to help make households in Great Britain warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat.

Scarborough Borough Council is also providing match funding to support installations in the area, and there are separate grants available to help connect homes to the mains gas network.

Residents who are interested in the opportunity are advised to call YES Energy Solutions on 01422 880100 or go online to www.yesenergysolutions.co.uk/schemes/north-yorks-warm-homes-scheme