West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Mc Aleer encourages uptake of Warm Homes Scheme

Published: 5 August, 2010

Cllr Mc Aleer pictured holding application forms for the Warm Homes scheme.

Cllr Mc Aleer pictured holding application forms for the Warm Homes scheme.

The Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer has called on people to apply for the Warm Home Scheme which is funded by the Department for Social Development.

Cllr Mc Aleer made the call after discovering that 3 wards of the Omagh District Council - Drumragh, Killyclogher and Lisanelly, are in the top 25 wards/areas in the North with the highest number of unclaimed Housing Benefit. There are approximately 900 such wards/areas in the 6 counties.

Under the warm homes scheme, a host of insulation and heating measures are available free of charge to private sector householders who are in receipt of specified qualifying benefits.

According to Cllr Mc Aleer:

"The Warm Homes Scheme is the DSD's primary tool for tackling fuel poverty in the North. The Scheme aims to make homes warmer, healthier and more energy-efficient.

"The new Scheme was launched in July 2009 and is open to households of any age, where the applicant is a home owner or rents from a private landlord and is in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Housing Executive and Housing Association tenants do not qualify.

"Within the Omagh District, The Warm Homes Scheme is delivered by Bryson Charitable Group, and under the scheme energy advice is provided which is tailored to meet the needs of each householder. In addition to this, a Benefit Entitlement Check is available to ensure that householders are in receipt of all the benefits they are entitled to.

Cllr Mc Aleer continued "I have noted with concern that out of almost 900 areas/wards in the 6 counties, 3 of these - Drumragh, Killyclogher and Lisanelly, are in the top 25 Areas /Wards with the highest number of unclaimed Housing Benefit. This highlights the importance of people availing of the Benefit Entitlement Check, which may also increase their eligibility to avail of the warmer homes scheme.

"The application process is relatively straightforward. Basically, the individual submits an application form which can be obtained online or from the Public Services Centre in Omagh.

"Following this, an assessor will carry out an inspection of the person's home to assess their energy and efficiency needs. This assessment will happen within a timeframe of 6 weeks and the necessary work will be carried out within an additional 6 weeks.

"Before work is carried out, the individual must provide proof of ownership of the house where they wish the work to be carried out. This can take the form of production of deeds or a letter from a solicitor. Alternatively, if the house is rented, the tenant must provide a tenancy agreement and written consent from the landlord for work to take place.

"The whole process will be completed within a maximum of 12 weeks at absolutely no cost to the householder.

Cllr Mc Aleer concluded "This is an excellent initiative, which is 100% funded and available until 2014. I strongly encourage all eligible applicants in the district to apply if they feel that their home is in need of improved heating or other energy efficient measures. Even if people feel that they might not be eligible, I would encourage them to contact the charity directly or the Public Services Centre for the free Benefits Entitlements check.
"The Public Service Centre is located at 16 High Street, Omagh, BT78 1BQ (Tel: 028 8225 6220; Email: publicservices@omagh.gov.uk)

Alternatively, the Warm Homes Scheme can be contacted directly on freephone: 0800 988 0559*or visit www.warm-homes.com
*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Calls from a land line are free.