Councils join for energy grants

Rother District Council, along with their local authority counterparts in Eastbourne, Hastings and Wealden, will be providing grants for home insulation and renewable energy.

To mark the launch of the East Sussex Energy Partnership (ESEP), council representatives were snapped at the De La Warr Pavilion in a four-person woolly jumper - illustrating how local authorities will work together to create warmer homes.

The new scheme, worth 2.5 million over the next three years, is offering thousands of households the chance to cut their heating bills with free or discounted energy-saving measures such as wall and loft insulation.

ESEP can provide government-funded grants for home insulation to eligible home owners or private tenants '“ regardless of income.

The insulation could be free if you or anyone living in your privately owned or privately rented home is over 60, claiming working tax credits with children under 16, or is disabled or chronically ill. The free or discounted insulation grants could save hundreds of pounds per year.

Energy bills could also be slashed through grants for the installation of environmentally-friendly, renewable energy sources to provide heating.

Rother leader Cllr Carl Maynard said: "It's certainly one of the more interesting photographs I have been involved in as a councillor!

"But it is a good idea because it shows we are working between the councils to make sure the right people get the best value for money with energy efficient savings.

"It will really help to reduce fuel poverty and harmful emissions."

If you are a homeowner or private tenant phone freephone 0800 980 0901 or visit www.eastsussexenergypartnership.org.uk to see if you can make your home warmer, save energy and save money.