Time is running out for South Lakeland residents to take advantage of a FREE central heating scheme.

The deadline for applications for the Cumbria Central Heating Fund is Monday, 31 October, 2016.

So far, 170 households have signed up and 15 households have already had their heating system improved.

The scheme, which is being administered locally by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), could pay for the installation of a full central heating system.

This would either be a gas system including connection to the gas main or, if this is not possible, an oil-fuelled system. This full central heating system is free to eligible customers on a first come, first served basis.

To be eligible, residents have to meet certain criteria. They must be either in receipt of certain benefits, or have a total annual household income of less than £15,600 and live in a property built before 1920.

The property must not already have a gas main connection or an existing central heating system fuelled by oil or LPG. Electrically heated homes or those with a solid fuel back boiler and a partial central heating system may also qualify.

Positive comments from successful applicants include:

  • “Fitters were very helpful and caring.”
  • “The service was excellent. The contractors were pleasant, helpful, and left no mess.”
  • “This work has changed my life! I have not used the heating yet as it is too warm but having instant hot water is great. The work was done efficiently and well. I was so impressed by the guys who did it in a professional and friendly way. I am very grateful for this work and I am looking forward to a very cosy winter in my house. Thank you!”

SLDC joined forces with Allerdale Borough Council, Eden District Council, and Carlisle City Council to bid for funding from the government’s £25m Central Heating Fund to be able to run the scheme.

The successful bid has provided £1.14m, to be split across the four districts helping Cumbrian residents most in need to be able to heat their homes.

The councils are working in partnership with npower, which is providing further funding and installing the central heating systems. Northern Gas Networks/National Grid Gas will be funding and installing the gas mains.

As the funding is limited, customers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

A spokesman for SLDC said: “This scheme is helping out those most in need – the fuel poor. We would encourage everyone who is eligible to get their application forms in now, so that we can get the central heating systems installed as soon as possible.”

For full details of the scheme, see if you are eligible, and to request application forms, please call the Housing Standards Team on 01539 793 376 or email: housingstandards@southlakeland.gov.uk

More information about the scheme is also available on the SLDC website, under the energy efficiency section of the Housing pages:http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/housing/