Grants available to keep Devon homes cosy

Homeowners and private-rented householders in selected areas of Devon are being offered grants of up to £7,000 to help insulate their homes.

Teignbridge, North Devon and Torridge district councils are working with Cosy Devon and E.ON to provide new 'Pioneer Places' grants towards the cost of solid wall insulation. The funding has been awarded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, with North Devon Council leading the project.

This month, letters will be sent to 13,000 prospective householders in selected areas of each district: Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton in Teignbridge, Barnstaple and Ilfracombe in North Devon, Bideford, Holsworthy and Torrington in Torridge.

Householders will be invited to contact E.ON, who will check if they are eligible and may organise a free home energy survey, worth £99.

Cllr Humphrey Clemens, Teignbridge District Council's Executive member for housing and planning, said: "A home without insulation loses much of its heat through its roof and walls, so there are lots of advantages to installing insulation. You'll increase the warmth of your home, reduce your fuel bills, improve the energy rating of your property and help the environment. We'd encourage anyone who gets a letter through the door to contact E.ON to see if you qualify."

North Devon Council's Executive Member responsible for housing, Cllr Brian Moores, said: "This latest scheme with Cosy Devon will help people across the county to cut their bills and reduce energy use. If you receive one of our letters, get in touch with E.ON to see if you are eligible for a grant and find out how much money you could save on energy bills through solid wall insulation."

Torridge District Council's Leader Councillor Jane Whittaker said: "The Cosy Devon mission is to help people save money, energy and make their homes warmer for less for years to come. The more people we can reach the greater the potential for achieving the aims of the scheme. I would urge people to check if they are eligible even if they don't receive a letter, but hopefully this targeted approach will also go some way to alerting even more people to the possibility of free help in insulating and upgrading their homes."

Eligible householders can receive 75% off the cost of the insulation, up to a maximum of £7,000 and may also be able to apply for other forms of assistance to cover the cost of insulation.

This is a limited opportunity and grants will be awarded on a first-come basis. To book a free assessment call 0800 508 8353 Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm and Saturday, from 8am to 4pm.

Visit www.cosydevon.com to find out more.