An estimated 43,900 excess winter deaths occurred in England and Wales in 2014/15 but the highest excess winter mortality index was in the South West.
This was the highest number since 1999/00, with 27% more people dying in the winter months compared with the non-winter months.
For the last 18 months free help has been available to provide eligible households with free gas central heating, however this free help comes to an end early October so householders must act fast to have a chance of benefiting before this Winter.
The CosyDevon Central Heating Fund is supported by the local authorities, and managed by their scheme partners E.ON, AgilityEco, National Energy Action (NEA) and Integrated Energy Services. It offers eligible residents a new connection to the gas grid, a complete gas central heating system including a new energy efficient boiler, radiators in every room and room thermostats.
South Hams District Council’s Cllr Hilary Bastone, Portfolio Holder for Customer First, said: “It is wonderful to hear of the work that CosyDevon is doing to improve the lives of residents. Schemes such as their Central Heating Fund, are fantastic in supporting people locally and I encourage those eligible, to apply for the Central Heating Fund before the scheme closes. It would be a shame for residents to miss out on this opportunity.”
If you want to find out more about the Central Heating Fund call 0800 612 9301 or apply online at tinyurl.com/cosydevon. Get in touch now, and avoid struggling to keep warm this winter.
To be eligible, you need to own or privately rent your home and not have an existing central heating system. People living in the house must either be on a low income of less than £16,010 gross per annum and referred by a health professional due to a long-term health condition exacerbated by the cold; or in receipt of income related benefits. Plus the property must be close to the gas mains.
