Is this right?

CGG

My Mum has told me she (aged 75, living alone) has seen an advert in the local paper stating that there is a new scheme coming out in April whereby any pensioner aged 75 or over can apply for free loft insulation and/or cavity wall insulation.
This is irrespective of being on any other benefits - which she isn't.
She wants to ring about it, but I thought I'd check here if anyone knows if this is genuine.
Can anyone help, please?

Biggles

It's a government scheme that started last month. It provides free loft and cavity wall insulation for the over-70s and those on various benefits.

Various companies, including British Gas, are providing it, whether or not you are already a customer, but her best starting place would be her local district council, I believe the grants are channelled through them.

LittleVoice

It's genuine. The age threshold is 70.

CGG

Thanks for the input.
I was concerned because there are so many con-men around, and I thought it was possibly someone advertising preying on old folk. I mean,saying the insulation was free to over 75's, or 70's as the case may be.
I was dubious of something being given free - maybe I'm over-cautious, as there's usually a catch somewhere along the line.

Biggles

Always best to be cautious. And, because (as I understand it) any company can do the fitting (they then claim the grants), there may well different standards of work and many opportunities to charge for 'extras'.

That was why I suggested trying the council first, rather than responding to an advert.

Willman_Rodders

Just a word of caution.

One of my clients was considering taking up this scheme. She invited the advertising firm to quote - which they did - but then she began to get a little nervous (for reasons that are not relevant to this post) and asked me to research the company she was thinking of using.

The scheme is ligitimate, but whether the companies delivering the service are is another question. There are two types of scheme; one for people who claim benefits/support from the State, and one for people who do not.
There are a number of private companies now offering the schemes, in addition to the original sub-companies [of the national power companies] that were tasked with rolling out both the programs nationwide.

Whilst all schemes offer a guarantee those provided by the power company subsiduary companies are backed up by a government guarantee. The private companies only offer their own guarantee.

Unfortunately I cannot find my original research notes now. I recall calling my local council first, who gave me information on the ligitimate schemes, [supported by the Government] operating in the area. I also recall being directed towards a company that oversaw the operation of all government backed schemes - and they too were very helpful.

There is another post on this forum (55 & Over) entitled 'Warm Front' and that deals with some of the schemes providers.

Biggles advice - to contact your local council - I urge you to follow.

djohn2002uk

I'm having difficulty understanding this thread from the age point of view. We had cavity wall and loft insulation provided free by the local council about 4 or 5 years ago. Criteria was one person in the house over 60 and no benefits needed. This was still operating last year so what has changed apart from bumping up the age and taking a lot of people out of the scheme?
I think the advice to pursue the local council first is the best way to go.

Just to add that we never applied as such but was offered it via a lady calling at the door, the reason I know it was still going last year was because 2 ladies called again offering the same, so much for their record keeping.

CGG

Thanks all for the advice.
Because I haven't actually seen the advert my Mum was talking about, I'll ring her local Council to ask for more info on the scheme.
At 75, at times, her mind isn't quite what it used to be - so it could just be that the actual wording of the ad did say 'over 70's', opposed to 'over 75's'.
I'll post what I find out after the weekend.

Biggles

margaretclare wrote: »

WarmFront has been around for a while now - the OP is asking about a new scheme from April.

The starting date for this new scheme was actually the beginning of January, not April, but it's the same scheme as the OP was referring to.

Be_Happy

I've noted below extract from information sheet about this new scheme. Not sure if it only applies in Scotland or if it is UK wide.

Incidentally I gave my mother copy of info. She phoned and has surveyor coming later this month to see if her house is suitable for insulation. She rents, so was asked to get authorization letter from landlord to show to surveyor when he came. Obviously landlord was only too happy to give go ahead.

"LOFT AND WALL INSULATION FOR OVER 70s


British Gas have launched a new scheme offering free wall and loft insulation to anyone over 70 and other people under 70 on selected benefits. The offer is available regardless of income (to over 70's), regardless of whether you own or rent the property and you do not have to be a British Gas customer to benefit.
To take up British Gas's offer, simply ring 0845 6052535 (quoting code JOU). The firm will send a surveyor to establish whether your home has cavity walls and measure the thickness and quality of any insulation already in place. If your insulation is not up to modern standards British Gas will pay for further insulation material to be installed. If it is very old, it may replace the loft insulation entirely.
There are no fees to pay, and there is no limit to the funds on offer and no risk that the offer will close a few months down the line. The offer is also available on a means tested basis for those on certain benefits under 70, benefits include disability and attendance allowance, and income support. People who get working tax credit and earn less than £14,600 also qualify.
The scheme seems more extensive than the Scottish Governments Warm Deal , but check there is no overlap."

terrierlady

has anyone tried to get this done and was it free for over 70 my sister needs her house done and is a customer of british gas