A NEW initiative designed to cut fuel bills and help residents stay warmer over winter is being launched.

People across the Maldon district are being encouraged to check if they are eligible to receive help under the Green Homes Grant scheme.

It is open to homeowners, private tenants and people in social rented housing, where the home has a low energy rating and a low annual income.

The scheme offers a wide range of insulation measures and renewable heating technologies designed reduce homes' impact on the environment, such as air source, ground source, and hybrid heat pumps.

It is being carried out for Maldon District Council by Warmworks, with funding from the Government.

Warmworks boss Ross Armstrong said: “Not only do the funded energy efficiency measures that the scheme provides give local people an opportunity to reduce their carbon emissions and support the transition to net zero, but as the colder weather hits, one of the most important benefits we can offer through the scheme is to help people feel warmer, healthier and happier in their homes during these winter months.”

Council leader Richard Siddall, said: “As we move into winter and we depend on our heating systems more, the Green Homes Grant scheme offers vital improvements that could see many people across the Maldon district who are on a low income and finding it hard to heat their home benefit from measures that could see them being warmer, reduce their bills, and decrease their home’s impact on the environment."

To find out if you qualify, visit surveys.est.org.uk/s/GreenHomesGrantSchemeLAD.