06 July 2011

Sheffield City Council (SCC) has announced that its Free Insulation Scheme has funding to continue insulating homes.

They are currently contacting organisations based in the Central area to let them know that the Free Insulation scheme is coming to Central ward.

The four wards to be targeted in this next phase are:

• Mosborough
• Beighton
• Central
• Nether Edge.

The scheme is targeting Mosborough ward first, and all private tenants and home owners in the ward are currently being visited to make sure they know about the offer of free insulation. Once Mosborough ward is complete the Council will be moving on to the next three wards in turn. Home owners and private tenants in all four of these areas can contact SCC now to sign up for the scheme.

The wards covered by the scheme in addition to the four wards above are:

• Arbourthorne
• Beauchief and Greenhill
• Darnall
• East Ecclesfield
• Firth Park
• Gleadless Valley
• Hillsborough
• Manor Castle
• Shiregreen and Brightside
• Southey
• Stocksbridge and Upper Don
• Walkley.

Priority customers - At the same time as offering insulation ward by ward across the City, priority customers city-wide can be fast-tracked through the scheme (priority customers are defined as all those aged 70 or over, or on qualifying benefits). This means that residents who are most at risk of fuel poverty or cold related diseases can access free insulation now, and don't have to wait until the scheme moves to their area. Full details of the criteria can be found on the SCC website below.

Carillion Energy Service (Formerly Eaga Insulation) are the only contractor appointed to complete the surveys and install the insulation. They don't sub contract to any other insulation company. Carillion will not cold call, they will only visit properties by appointment. Staff from Carillion wear uniform and carry full identification. If residents have any doubts, or are contacted by any other company claiming to work for Sheffield City Council, please ask them to record the name and badge number and telephone the SCC office (see number below).

You can download a poster for the scheme here.

SCC is asking for your help to offer the scheme to over 70s and those on benefits across Sheffield...
SCC are keen to ensure groups and professionals across Sheffield are aware of the free insulation scheme so that as many vulnerable people as possible can be helped. Since the scheme started they have attended events, team meetings and festivals to sign people up for the scheme and give out energy efficiency advice. Please contact SCC if:

• You would like to refer service users or residents to the scheme
• You are holding any events the free insulation scheme team could attend to promote and sign people up for the scheme

• You would like copies of posters or leaflets to distribute
• You would like one of the team to attend a meeting to give a briefing about the scheme
• You would like an article for a newsletter or publication.
Contact: Jenny Harvey, Assistant Project Officer, Sustainable Housing and Affordable Warmth (SHAW) Team, Sheffield City Council

Telephone: 0114 27 36294 or Freephone: 0800 915 9096
Email: jenny.harvey@sheffield.gov.uk
Website: http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/freeinsulation