Residents Get Cosy with Warm Homes Scheme

Warm Homes Healthy People, launched last winter by Ribble Valley Borough Council and the Department of Health, saw electric blankets, fleece shawls, hats and gloves, flasks and thermos cups, nightlights, slippers vouchers, draft-proofing and radiator reflectors delivered to households with elderly residents and young children.

Now the scheme, which was cited by the Government as an example of best practise, has been re-launched to include boiler replacements and repairs, gas supply and appliance safety checks, home heat loss checks with thermal imaging cameras and home energy checks with OWL monitors.

Stuart Hirst, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's health and housing committee said: "Warm Homes Healthy People was a huge success and we are delighted to extend it to include a range of services to households across the borough.

"The scheme will give a valuable boost to vulnerable households facing fuel poverty and some elements are available to residents regardless of income."

Warm Homes Healthy People is available to Ribble Valley residents aged 65 or over, or residents with young children, and in receipt of an income-related benefit. It is also available to residents aged 85 or over regardless of income, although the packs are not available to households that received them last winter.

Gas appliance and supply safety checks are available to residents aged over 65 regardless of income and home heat loss checks and home energy checks are available to households regardless of income and age.

Warm Homes Healthy People is delivered in association with Help Direct, Age UK, Ribble Valley Homes and St Vincent's Housing Association.

Further details and bookings are available from Ribble Valley Borough Council on 01200 425111.