It is estimated that there are more than 30,000 homes in Greater Manchester struggling to keep warm and pay their fuel bills.

So to make a difference, the ten local authorities have joined forces with E.ON to help residents with energy saving improvements like the replacement of faulty or broken boilers. The scheme is also supported by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the NHS.

Residents are encouraged to call Freephone 0800 508 8008 to book a free home survey to see if they qualify for free or subsidised works. You do not need to be an E.ON customer to apply. Greater Manchester homeowners or private tenants on low incomes should call the number to see if you’re eligible!

So far 300 people have requested help through the scheme.

The call has come as part of Big Energy Week 2016, a national campaign which starts on Monday 31 October to help people cut fuel bills and get all the support they are entitled to. This scheme is open till 31st December 2016. 

It is estimated households can save £350 a year by having a new boiler fitted, £70 by insulating their loft and £290 through cavity wall insulation.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Chair of the Greater Manchester Low Carbon Hub, said:

“National government statistics show that 14.5 per cent of people in Greater Manchester struggle to afford to heat their homes, compared to a national average of 10.6 per cent.

“We are often told that our lot in life is down to our life choices. In my opinion, food and warmth are not choices, they are essentials.

“People in cold homes are more likely to develop health issues and respiratory illnesses. Lacking proper nutrition, our hospitals are beginning to see large increases in malnutrition and other diseases once thought to be forgotten in a bygone age.

“The existence of this kind of poverty reveals the lie of the modern world, that poverty is simply a question of personal responsibility. When we can clearly see people in our society faced with impossible choices, between eating and heating, we have to look deep and realise that poverty is a collective responsibility for society.”

Nigel Dewbery, Head of ECO Delivery at E.ON, added:

“We’ve been working together with Greater Manchester local authorities over the past few months to improve the energy efficiency of the homes in the local area and reduce energy bills.

“Winter is coming so I would encourage all local residents to call E.ON to discuss options available to them for ensuring that their homes are as prepared as possible ahead of the colder weather.”

For more information visit EON’s website. 

Notes:

Source: Sub-regional breakdown: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/2014-sub-regional-fuel-poverty-...

Savings information is from the Energy Saving Trust and are based on estimates.

The scheme is subject to survey and availability.