Don’t get Caught out in the Cold by the Credit Crunch
Gavin Ward Ltd can help you keep warm this winter

The rising cost of fuel is just one of the many concerns facing families as the credit crunch continues to take effect. However many people are not aware that they could be eligible for grants which would help reduce their energy bills by upgrading their heating systems or insulating their homes.

Warm Front heating and insulation grants installed by Gavin Ward Ltd are a Government-funded initiative, managed by eaga, the UK’s leading provider of energy solutions, and designed to help eradicate fuel poverty in the UK.

According to Government figures, one in six British families suffer from fuel poverty (where more than 10% of a household’s total income is spent on heating the home) – a figure that is set to increase as the cost of gas continues to rise.

Gavin Ward's Assistant Contracts manager Peter Chester said: “Many people are living with old and inefficient boilers which can be repaired or upgraded to allow for a significant reduction in fuel bills.”

”And those without central heating may be eligible to have a new system installed which will be far more efficient and cheaper to run that any alternative form of heating they might use in their homes.”

People who own their own home or live in private rented accommodation may be eligible for a Warm Front grant. To qualify, families or individuals must be in receipt of certain benefits. These are detailed below:

1. Aged 60 or over

Householders aged 60 or over in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
Council Tax Benefit
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Income-based Employment & Support Allowance
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Pension Credit

2. Pregnant or with a child under the age of 16

Householders with a child under 16, or pregnant women with maternity certificate MAT-B1, in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
Income Support
Council Tax Benefit
Housing Benefit
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-based Employment & Support Allowance
Pension Credit

3. Householders in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

Working Tax Credit (with an income of less than £15,460, which must include a disability element)
Disability Living Allowance
Child Tax Credit (with an income of less than £15,460)
Housing Benefit (which must include a disability premium)
Income Support (which must include a disability premium)
Council Tax Benefit (which must include a disability premium)
War Disablement Pension (which must include a mobility supplement or Constant Attendance Allowance)
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (which must include a Constant Attendance Allowance)
Attendance Allowance