Swindon Warm Zone – bringing affordable warmth and energy efficiency to Swindon

Swindon Borough Council is setting up an 18-month pilot Warm Zone across two wards in Swindon. The selected wards are Walcot, and Gorse Hill & Pinehurst.

All privately owned or rented homes in these two wards will be offered a FREE home energy efficiency assessment to find out if they are eligible for grants and special discounts for insulation and heating improvements. They will also be offered a FREE benefit entitlement check.

The pilot, managed by Swindon Borough Council, has engaged the consultancy services of Warm Zones (cic) to run this pilot. We will be working with local contractor Domestic & General Insulation, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and The Pension Service. The aim of the pilot is to bring real benefits to householders who need help because they live in cold damp homes, or find it hard to keep their home affordably warm, or are just conscious about doing their bit for the environment.

When will you be visiting me?

The scheme is due to launch in Walcot Ward in September 2009 and with Gorsehill & Pinehurst Ward following from October 2009. The assessment team plans to visit at least 70% of homes across the two wards over the 18-month period.

What can Swindon Warm Zone do for me?

We can arrange for you to have loft and cavity wall insulation installed in your home under the scheme and to have someone check that you are claiming all the income you are entitled to. If you are on certain benefits we could also refer you to schemes which can provide heating improvements.

By making sure your home is insulated to government recommendations, Swindon Warm Zone can save you hundreds of pounds per year. The work will be carried out by Domestic and General Insulation Ltd who are the approved contractor working on the Swindon Warm Zone Pilot.We can also give up-to-date and expert advice on energy efficiency.

Are you claiming all the income you are entitled to?

Energy efficiency measures alone are not always the answer to cold damp homes - increasing household income can make a big difference too. Swindon Warm Zone will be working with the Citizens Advice Bureau and other local advice agencies to offer you a free confidential income assessment to see if you are missing out on any benefits.

Help with paying your fuel bills

We can also provide advice about saving money on your fuel bills.

How much does home insulation cost?
If you:
• live in Walcot or Pinehurst & Gorsehill Wards AND
• own or privately rent your home AND
• are over 65
then cavity wall and loft insulation is FREE*

Those not eligible for the free offer can still get it from as little as £100* per measure.

(*for a limited period only, subject to funding, eligibility criteria and technical survey)

Contact 0800 046 9699 for more information quoting ‘Swindon Warm Zone’.

Insulation could save an average home £160 each year on fuel bills and it only takes 2-3 hours to have the work carried out. This really is one of the most effective ways for you to save energy, save money and do your bit for the environment!

What if I am a private landlord?

If you are a private landlord your tenant could qualify you for getting free insulation installed into your property. If they fall into any of the criteria above then your property will be insulated for free.
For more information or to book your free energy efficiency assessment, please Contact Domestic and General Insulation free on: 0800 046 9699
Or click here to book your assessment on-line