Greater Manchester’s Boiler and Insulation scheme has now been extended till 31st March 2017! Greater Manchester leaders want to help freeze out cold homes this winter.

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.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the NHS are supporting the scheme.

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! Call by 3rd February 2017 to see if you are eligible to have a new efficient boiler installed by the end of March 2017.

So far over 500 people have requested help through the scheme.

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.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are supporting the scheme by raising awareness of the offer during Safe and Well visits, as well as including information in the thousands of letters sent by our Contact Centre every week to help reduce fire risk and improve health outcomes.

Councillor Sheila Bailey, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Housing, said: “The best way residents can cut their energy bills this winter is by taking up such energy efficiency offers, so they can make their homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. If you are struggling with your energy bills, please get in touch with the Council and check what help is available.”

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.”

For more information visit: eonenergy.com/energyheroes