Vulnerable residents living in Chesterfield could benefit from funding to help service their gas appliances – helping to keep their homes warm and safe.
After successfully helping around 80 households service their gas appliances in the last year, Chesterfield Borough Council has been awarded £9,000 for this year from Foundations Independent Living Trust, which works in partnership with the Gas Safe Charity, to provide small grants for servicing and repairs of gas appliances within properties.
The funding is available to vulnerable homeowners on low income, who may not have been able to afford to have their gas appliances serviced in the last 12 months.
Those eligible must live in privately-owned accommodation and:
- have a low household income and/or a disability or
- be considered an exceptionally vulnerable household
Eligible residents can get financial help towards the cost of servicing gas appliances, like fires, cookers and heating systems in their homes.
Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Gas appliances should be safety checked every year and serviced according to manufacturer’s instructions. However, we appreciate this may not be simple for some residents, particularly with the rising cost of living.
“With funding secured through schemes such as this, we can support homeowners in making sure their gas appliances are working effectively – and keeping them warm and safe in their home. We checked 80 appliances for residents last year and are encouraging more people who are eligible to get in touch to see if we can help them – particularly those who may have a health condition that could be made worse by a lack of heating in the home.
“Despite facing significant financial pressures now and in future years, the council is committed to supporting those most in need during the cost-of-living crisis and is doing all it can to maximise external funding opportunities like this, to help households across the borough.”
Eligible residents can apply for funding by contacting the council’s private housing team on 01246 345748 or hia@chesterfield.gov.uk.
Find out more about the Gas Safe Charity funding scheme.
