I was really shocked last week when we got the bill for filling up the oil tank! Oil now costs about three times what it did a few years ago. I am sure everyone else is concerned about the soaring price of energy too, and so I thought I would pass on to you a message that I have just received from John Kilgannon, the Environmental Protection Manager at Babergh.
Pointing out that energy companies are obliged by law to contribute to energy saving measures in homes, John has drawn attention to a new scheme whereby any privately owned or privately rented home containing one person over the age of 70 can obtain cavity wall insulation and/or a loft insulation top up absolutely free of charge. Unlike the former ‘Warm Front’ scheme the offer is open to all and not confined to those on benefits.
In homes where no-one is over 70 the services will be provided at a competitive (subsidized) rate. For an average sized house this amounts to less than £170 for cavity wall insulation and less than £200 for a loft insulation top-up where there is currently less than 75mm of lagging.
Further information will be available to all households later in the month, but any over 70’s among you who want to get ahead of the game can call 0800 019 9090 and ask for the ‘Energy Care’ scheme to find out more.
Unfortunately Nick and I won’t be able to take the scheme up so it will continue to be a lower thermostat and an extra woolly for me! We live in a timber framed house which was surrounded by bricks in the 19th Century, and the ancient frame and plaster needs space to breathe. If you do live in an older house it is probably worth checking that cavity wall insulation is right for your home. Also if you do have the work done, don’t forget that you need to be extra careful properly to ventilate areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Otherwise damp could be a problem.
