More than 65 homes in Neath Port Talbot have now benefited from a free gas central heating system thanks to the Warm Homes Fund.

Since launching in June 2020, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Warm Homes Fund has funded more than £280,000 worth of installations and energy saving measures across 66 homes in the county borough.

The Fund is available to eligible homeowners to help save money on energy bills through installing a first time gas central heating system (boiler, radiators, pipework) and energy saving measures (loft insulation, draught proofing, low energy light bulbs etc.) to ensure households are heated efficiently.

To be eligible, homeowners must:

Not already have a gas or oil central heating system.
Own or privately rent a home in Neath Port Talbot (private landlords will be required to pay a 25% contribution towards the cost of the works).
Be classed as a low income household OR spend more than 10% of your household income on energy bills OR claim certain benefits OR live in a low income area as identified in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (you can speak to a member of the team to check)

If you are unsure whether you qualify, the council’s Housing Renewals Team (01639 686502 or email [email protected]) will be able to help you through the application process.

Mr Davies from Glynneath, who recently had a new gas central heating system installed, said: “My initial reaction upon reading about the Warm Home scheme was, as a working family, we would not be eligible.

“It took one phone call to be informed that we may in fact be eligible. A simple form to fill in, identified that we were in fuel poverty. The process of applying was straightforward, with a helpful advisor on hand.

“The installation of the gas boiler was very efficient, with minimum disruption and completed quickly.”

Mr Collins from Brynamman (pictured), another resident who successfully applied to the Warm Homes Fund, said: “I am so pleased with the new boiler system. It is much warmer. The new central heating system is more efficient and I have saved money already. I would certainly recommend anyone that’s eligible to take up the grant offer.”

Councillor Peter Richards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Health, said: “We believe that everyone deserves to live in a warm home and as a council, we are fully committed to ensuring people are able to afford the energy they need.

“Many of the homeowners we have helped have had their electric heaters or coal fired boilers replaced with new efficient central heating systems, saving them over a thousand pound a year on heating costs.”

“I’d encourage anyone who thinks we could help to get in touch – and for residents to think of any friends or family members who could benefit from the Warm Homes Fund.”

Homeowners do not have to pay anything towards the cost of the central heating system but the Fund cannot be used towards the cost of a gas connection to your property. However, some households may be eligible for financial support towards a gas connection through the Fuel Poverty Network Extension Scheme.

The Warm Homes Fund was established by National Grid, and is administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions to address some of the issues affecting fuel poor households in Neath Port Talbot.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.npt.gov.uk/warmhomesfund . If you are unsure if you meet the criteria, contact the Housing Renewals Team on 01639 686502 or email [email protected] .