Residents keen to save money on their Council Tax and annual heating bills while helping the environment can benefit from a new initiative backed by St Edmundsbury.
The scheme, run by British Gas in partnership with the council, will see anyone who takes up an offer of discounted cavity wall insulation handed a £50 Council Tax credit once work is complete. Insulation can also be provided free of charge to people on qualifying benefits.
The credits and discounts are funded entirely by British Gas at no cost to the council. Residents do not have to be British Gas customers, or heating their homes with gas, to take part.
To qualify for the credit, owner-occupier households must have subsidised cavity wall insulation installed by British Gas in their home. Research has shown around 30% of heat produced in the home is lost through its walls. Although the householder has to invest a minimum of £175* to get the insulation installed (discounted from £430), average annual savings on energy bills are around £110**.
Coupled with the credit of £50, householders could see their investment paid back within eighteen months, with savings on their energy bills continuing after that.
Cllr Frank Warby, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Crime, said:
“This is an ideal opportunity for the people of the borough to take advantage of this special offer and insulate their walls in time for winter. The financial benefits of the scheme mean those who take part will notice a difference both in the warmth of their home and in their pocket.”
Fiona Gould, Business Development Manager for British Gas said:
“We are delighted that St Edmundsbury Borough Council has come on board with our council cashback scheme. Previous experience has shown us that rewarding homeowners for energy saving is the right way to motivate households to reduce energy waste.”
The scheme was endorsed by the Cabinet at a meeting on Wednesday. Anyone interested in taking part should call 0845 971 7731, and must quote reference STEDCT to qualify for the Council Tax credit.
ENDS
ISSUED BY LIZ HEARNSHAW, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033. liz.hearnshaw@stedsbc.gov.uk
BRITISH GAS PRESS OFFICE CONTACT: DONNA DAVIES Tel 029 2058 4264
