"When winter comes it can be a killer. Not only do thousands of people struggle with the crippling bills but hundreds of people in Lancashire suffer from serious illnesses."
Gillian Campbell, of Blackpool Council
Lancashire-based CHiL (Cosy Homes in Lancashire) has been honoured with a 2016 Ashden Award for its work in preventing cold-related illness across the region.
The Ashden Awards are a globally recognised measure of excellence in the field of sustainable energy and CHiL won the award for Sustainable Homes. The orgnisation will recieve financial support to help scale up its work in providing energy improvements for those who need it most.
The CHiL scheme has amassed a funding of £2.2m, which is expected to cover the fitting of over 900 new central heating systems before the start of the autumn, with “fuel poor” residents living in all areas of the red rose county eligible to apply.
The Central Heating Fund, secured by the Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) partnership, will be managed by Blackburn with Darwin Council, but will be open to all qualifying residents from the 14 local council areas in Lancashire.
Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The weather might seem mild now but it is the perfect time to start getting your home ready for the winter.
“When winter comes it can be a killer. Not only do thousands of people struggle with the crippling bills but hundreds of people in Lancashire suffer from serious illnesses that are brought on by living in a cold house.
“We can do something to fix that and by working as a partnership across the county the CHiL programme is helping people in fuel poverty to get free and subsidised boilers as well as better insulation in their homes.”
Residents receiving benefits such as Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credits or Universal Credit may also be eligible.
Private landlords and organisations working with clients who could benefit are also encouraged to get in touch.
To see whether you qualify for a free new central heating system, call 0330 606 1488, email info@chil.co.uk or visit www.chil.com.
