Administered by HEART (a partnership of Warwickshire Local Authorities) the Warmer and Safer Home grant scheme is available to owner occupiers, who have been living in their property for a minimum of three years and are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support or Income Related Employment or Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Job Seekers Allowance
• Child Tax Credit

The funding could cover a wide a range of works from addressing security issues such as broken windows or doors or lack of hygiene facilities to improving safety in the home such electrical, gas or fire hazards or prevention of trips or falls. The scheme also includes measures to provide heating in cold homes or to repair or renew defective boilers.

Councillor Paul Wightman, Portfolio Holder for Housing commented:

“We recognise the impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on the most vulnerable in our community and want to heighten awareness of this funding scheme, which could throw a lifeline to people living in homes that need essential repairs or safety improvements. I strongly encourage those eligible to get in touch with HEART to find out more, it could make a huge difference.”

Those wishing to find out more about Warmer and Safer Homes (WASH) grants should contact the HEART team who are based at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council:

• HeartEnquiries@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk
• 02476 376299