Energy savings targeted to help disabled adults this winter

Coventry City Council is one local authority pleased to be making the most of Disabled Facilities Grants from central Government this winter, targeting energy efficiency in order to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable adults.

£597,000 of funding has enabled the council to reach out to 292 households that have been successful in accessing the grants, undertaking improvements that include the replacement of old and inefficient boilers, draft-proofing and loft, external and cavity wall insulation.

Cabinet member for energy and environment, councillor Abdul Khan, comments: “The value of this programme cannot be understated – many of the people we will help are housebound and dependent on constant daily warmth to maintain their health. Low incomes and rising fuel prices are real and significant challenges so this package of support will make a real difference to the lives of people, every day.”

He continues: “My daughter is disabled and requires constant care. The improvements to our home mean so much to us, as we will be able to afford to keep her comfortably warm whatever the weather outside.”

Cabinet member for housing and heritage, councillor Ed Raune, also comments: “This innovative project will help to improve the lives of vulnerable people. By increasing energy efficiency, running costs are kept down, houses are kept warmer and the people are less likely to suffer from cold and damp-related health conditions. No one should have to choose between heating and eating – but sadly this is a very real choice for far too many people.

“We have taken care to ensure we work with a local company and I’m pleased that the project will be directly supporting local construction jobs and helping to support the local economy.”

The local company responsible for carrying out the improvements is the Nuneaton-based Rockwarm, themselves managed by Kier Services.