WITH the cost of heating a home rising dramatically, Fenland Council is keen to encourage residents to take advantage of the grants available to help reduce the costs of cavity wall and loft insulation as well as for installing efficient central heating b

WITH the cost of heating a home rising dramatically, Fenland Council is keen to encourage residents to take advantage of the grants available to help reduce the costs of cavity wall and loft insulation as well as for installing efficient central heating boilers.

Through the Cashback Scheme, the council is offering to pay up to 50 per cent of the cost of these energy-saving initiatives in order to help reduce global warming and CO2 emissions. In addition, for people over the age of 70 the installation costs for loft and cavity wall insulation are free.

This financial year, the council has helped residents in 312 homes to take advantage of some or all of these energy-saving initiatives at a cost of £66,000. The council has budgeted to hand out a total of £80,000 on these energy-saving schemes by April 2008 and is keen to encourage people to apply.

The Cashback Scheme is available to everyone, regardless of income and anyone who wishes to take advantage of the grants available should contact energy support officer Stacey Swann on 01354 622426.

The council is able to offer a maximum of £150 cash back on the installation of new efficient boilers; up to £150 towards the cost of cavity wall insulation and up to £100 for loft insulation.

The savings in fuel and energy costs are significant. Around a third of all heat lost in an un-insulated home is lost through the walls. It is estimated that cavity wall insulation can save £90 a year on a typical fuel bill. Insulating a loft can save a further £110 a year.

If everyone in the UK was to top up their loft insulation to 270mm thick, it would save about £380million a year.

Councillor Peter Murphy, portfolio holder for sustainable environment, said: "Fenland is completely committed to reducing the effects of CO2 emissions and to combating the effects of global warming.

"We are keen for all Fenland residents to insulate their homes and use energy-efficient boilers, which is why we are promoting the grants that are available to defray up to 50 per cent of the costs up to a ceiling of £150. The savings on fuel bills makes it worthwhile to invest in insulation and efficient boilers - and it is helping to fight global warming too.