Following the recent cold snaps and forecasts that more freezing temperatures could be on the way, comes the news of some welcome assistance to households in the district who may be struggling to pay their heating bills or striving to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Late last year Warwick District Council joined neighbours Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby and North Warwickshire Borough Councils by signing up to ‘ECO Flex’. This scheme aims to help more households on a low income out of fuel poverty, including those that may not have previously qualified for help. The initiative is being run in partnership with Act on Energy, an energy conservation charity who provides free advice to householders in Warwickshire, from fuel switching to installing heating and insulation measures.

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Community Protection, Councillor Andrew Thompson commented:

“I am delighted that Warwick District Council is participating in the ECO Flex scheme. Although ECO (Energy Company Obligation) funding is already available to households on means tested benefits, signing up to the ‘flex’ element, will enable us to provide financial assistance to other vulnerable residents not necessarily on benefits such as those on a low income, with a disability or health condition or on a pre-payment meter.”

Since signing up to the scheme several applications have already been made for low income households in the district. This has resulted in four homes receiving new energy efficient boilers and a loft insulation.

For more information and to find out if you are eligible for the scheme, contact