Residents in County Durham are being urged to check whether they are eligible to receive a new gas boiler and central heating, which could lead to lower energy bills and a warmer home.

Durham County Council is working in partnership with utility supplier EON and heating, insulation and renewables company 0800Repair, to offer grants of up to £6,000 for homeowners on low incomes to replace solid fuel or electric storage heaters.

The Warm Homes Fund will install 200 energy-efficient gas boilers and central heating systems in homes with an income of less than £26,000 or which are in receipt of a means-tested benefit. To qualify, applicants must currently heat their house with solid fuel and only one radiator or use an electric storage heater.

David Jones is the first homeowner to have a gas boiler and central heating installed through the fully funded scheme.

Mr Jones, of John Street, Easington, said: “I am delighted with my new central heating system, my home is warm and comfortable now and I’m not worried about the cold weather and high coal bills anymore”.

Grahame Morris MP for Easington said: “The Warm Homes Fund is an excellent initiative by Durham County Council, helping vulnerable people to heat homes by replacing inefficient solid fuel or electric storage heating systems. I am encouraging residents to check their eligibility before the scheme closes in November.”

Cllr Angela Surtees, the council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, said: “This is a fantastic way for residents to have a warmer home and lower energy bills. I urge residents to apply as soon as possible as there is a limited number of grants available until November 2020.”

For further information, or to apply for a Warm Homes Grant, residents can contact 0800Repair by calling 0808 169 7127.

Further information about a variety of schemes available to help householders make their properties more energy-efficient can be found on the council’s website at www.durham.gov.uk/housingenergyimprovements