Last chance to apply for Warm Front energy scheme

Under the Government's Warm Front scheme, households can get a grant towards energy efficiency measures.

When is the deadline?

The scheme closes on Saturday, with applications accepted until 5pm that day.

Work on homes who have applied, or who apply by then, will continue until the end of March.

How much do you get?

The initiative gives up to £3,500 — rising to £6,000 for homes not connected to the main gas network.

What is the money for?

This grant, paid directly to the firm carrying out the work, can be put towards insulation and draught-proofing and improvements to gas, electric or oil heating.

The Energy Saving Trust charity says cavity wall insulation typically cuts bills by up to £135 a year.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, households need to:

• Live in England.

• Own their home, or rent from a private landlord and have their consent.

• Have a badly-insulated home, or a poor central heating system.

• Receive certain income-related benefits.

You can find out if you're eligible by calling Warm Front on 0800 316 2805, by visiting your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Age UK branch, or by visiting the Gov.uk website.

The Government has widened the eligibility criteria for the scheme, meaning two million households are now entitled to help improve their heating and home insulation — even if they've been turned down in the past.

How much is available?

The total Warm Front fund for this financial year (April to April) is £100 million.

The Government says this is highly unlikely to be exhausted, so if you're eligible and apply in time, you should be successful.

Any underspend usually goes back into the Treasury's pocket, though the Government has allocated £31 million from that amount for local authorities to help vulnerable households.

How do I claim?

You can apply online, by post (though time may be tight) or by phone. See the Gov.uk site for full details.