Warm Front grants are not being taken up quickly enough and there is a danger of losing some of the £50M budget, according to the Grant Aided Heating Installers' Network (GAIN).
More restrictive criteria for this year is the reason why the grants are not being taken up fast enough, GAIN says. In addition, a lack of promotion means that often the most needy people are unaware that they qualify.
The £50m Warm Front budget is currently allocated for the heating and insulation of 25,000 of the most deserving fuel poor homes at an average of £2,500 per home. Applications need to be received within the next six months for installation by the deadline of 31 March 2013, otherwise the funding reverts to the Treasury.
GAIN is asking the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to promote the scheme widely through local authorities and housing associations so they are aware of the grants. The Association is also urging the Government to review the scheme criteria to ensure that all grants are allocated to more needy households. In addition, registered social and private landlords are being asked to publicise the grants to the general public through notices in libraries, citizens advice and energy advice centres.
Potential recipients of the grant can contact members of GAIN to see whether or not they qualify.
For more information visit
www.gainassociation.org.uk
