THE COUNCIL is urging residents to apply for a grant to help them keep warm and save money on fuel bills this winter.

Government grants of up to £3,500 – or up to £6,000 in areas with no mains gas – are available to homeowners and private tenants receiving certain income-related benefits.

The Warm Front scheme can provide measures including loft and cavity-wall insulation, draught-proofing and hot water tank jackets, as well as central heating system installation or repair, up to the value of the grant.

Cllr Will Breare-Hall, portfolio holder for environment, said: “If you receive any of the qualifying benefits I encourage you to apply now to Warm Front and be prepared for winter – don’t wait for the colder weather.”

To find out if you are eligible, call 0800 316 2814 or apply online at www.warmfront.co.uk.

Click here to follow the Epping Forest Guardian on Twitter