Keep warm this winter and reduce your energy bills

By Cllr Greg Peck

This is the time of year when we face the prospect of dipping temperatures and possibly very cold weather, even snow and ice. I’m sure we’re all hoping we won’t have a repeat of the Beast from the East this year.

However, one thing is certain this winter: the elderly and the vulnerable will no doubt be suffering from cold houses, especially those who are struggling to pay their heating and electricity bills. This in turn has an adverse effect on people’s health.

Through the Warm Homes Fund, Norfolk councils are offering funding toward the cost of installing first-time central heating in privately rented or owned homes. The central heating will be at no cost to eligible home owners with up to 75% grant funding for landlords with qualifying tenants.

You are likely to qualify for this if your home has no central heating. This includes homes currently heated by storage heaters, electric radiators, open fires or gas fires, and you have a low income or receive benefits.

If you are struggling to pay heating and electricity bills, or living in a cold property is affecting your health, please contact your local council to see if you are eligible for support.

If you qualify, the Norfolk Warm Home Team will contact you to arrange a survey. If you are eligible, a new central heating system will be installed by an accredited company. This should make it easier to keep warm at home without increasing your fuel bills.

The grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if you don’t qualify, there may be other ways the Council can support you to keep warm and well.

So if you or any of your friends, family or neighbours need extra help to stay warm and well, for more information and to check eligibility, please contact the Energy Team at Broadland District Council on 01603 430627, email or visit the website

Cllr Greg Peck, Norfolk County Council, Reepham Division
Tel: 07972 230282
Email: greg.peck.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk