Maidenhead & Windsor

Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents aged 70 or over can now get free insulation for their homes thanks to a scheme launched by the Royal Borough and the Mark Group.

To qualify, Windsor and Maidenhead residents have to be aged 70 or over – they do not need to be in receipt of any benefits – and they have to register their interest using a special enquiry line 0800 616 302. Residents should quote Windsor and Maidenhead Energy Care Scheme when calling.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "This is a great opportunity for residents aged 70 plus to enjoy the benefits of free insulation.

"There are a number of reasons to insulate a property, including to save money on heating bills, protect the environment, keep the property warmer in winter – and cooler in summer, help prevent condensation and add value.

"The government is set to introduce the free insulation scheme in April under the new Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) regulations, but rather than wait until spring, borough residents can take advantage now while the cold weather is still with us."

Free insulation is also available to Windsor and Maidenhead residents in receipt of certain benefits listed below:

· Attendance Allowance
· Child Tax Credit, where the relevant income is £14,600 or less
· Council Tax Benefit
· Disability Living Allowance
· Disablement Pension which includes Constant Attendance Allowance
· Housing Benefit
· Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
· Income Support
· State Pension Credit
· War Disablement Pension (which includes either a mobility supplement or constant attendance allowance)
· Working Tax Credit, where the relevant income is £14,600 or less

For those not in receipt of benefits, there are discount schemes for insulation which offer the cavity and loft insulation at around half price. To register for a free no-obligation survey call the same number above, 0800 616 302, and mention the Windsor and Maidenhead Energy Care Scheme. The cavity wall insulation comes with a standard 25-year guarantee and the loft insulation is topped up to current building regulations (around 10 inches).

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Story added: "Cavity wall and loft Insulation are widely recognised as the most effective energy efficiency measures you can install. Your heating can be turned on less often and for shorter periods – and research has shown that installing both measures could save you up to £380 per year."

Mark Plumb, business development manager of the Mark Group, said: " We're delighted to be able to introduce this scheme for Royal Borough residents and hope as many people take advantage of it as possible. As this is a new scheme, we are expecting the initial demand to be high, so please bear with us if you are unable to get through immediately."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead