Financial help to reduce heating bills is on offer in Mansfield to homeowners on a low income who have a health condition that could be made worse if they live in a cold property.

People with various conditions could qualify for help as part of Mansfield District Council’s Warm Homes On Prescription programme for those who live in their own home or privately rented accommodation.

Assistance offered depends on the financial means and the health of the occupant, but could include:

Grants for boiler repairs, replacement, or improvements.
Help to make heating more affordable, such as guidance on switching energy supplier, ensuring all benefits are claimed, and using heating efficiently.
Advice on keeping warm and safe.

People with heart, blood pressure, respiratory and circulation problems, osteoporosis, strokes, diabetes and cancer can seek the support.

The council can also negotiate with landlords to secure energy efficiency improvements to privately-rented properties, subject to a property assessment.

According to Government statistics, 4,395 households in Mansfield – 9.6% of all homes in the district – are fuel poor.

Fuel poverty and low incomes are more prevalent in the private rented sector with 19% of households being fuel poor. Properties in this sector are also more likely to have poor energy efficiency ratings.

Coun Barry Answer, the council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “Staying warm and safe is especially important for people with a health problem and this scheme will help some of our most vulnerable residents.

“If anyone knows someone who could benefit from this scheme I urge them to let them know about it and encourage them to get in touch. They might even qualify for a grant to get a new boiler.”

To apply for help, contact the council’s Private Sector Housing Service at [email protected] or on 01623 463212. There is also more information about this support on the council’s website at www.mansfield.gov.uk/grants

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