MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Gill Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Environment
Date of Issue: July 16th 2010
Contact numbers:
07983 624610
Lib Dem office: 0151 691 8544

GREEN LIGHT FOR FREE HOME INSULATION

A report to Wirral's Cabinet on 22nd July sees Wirral's Home Insulation Scheme move a step closer, recommending that the Council appoints Energy Projects Plus in partnership with British Gas to carry out the scheme.  Door knocking to promote the offer will begin in areas of highest fuel poverty, starting in Rock Ferry, then moving on to Prenton, Oxton, Claughton in the first phase between Sept 2010 and March 2011, but any private household from across the borough will be able to apply at any time.

Councillor Gill Gardiner, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Environment said, “This scheme will contribute substantially to lifting households out of fuel poverty, creating warmer, healthier homes and reducing the Wirral's carbon emissions, as well as providing employment opportunities; British Gas will create 10 apprenticeships for Wirral people and estimate that up to 30 jobs could be created immediately.”

“From the moment insulation is installed, an average home could save each year:

  • £265 on energy bills (1,410Kg of carbon dioxide) if they have the full insulation package
  • £115 (610Kg of CO2 ) with cavity wall insulation
  • £150 (800Kg of CO2) with full loft insulation
  • £45 (230Kg of CO2) by topping up existing loft insulation to recommended levels.”

Cllr Gardiner continued, “Money spent on the insulation scheme is money that will be paid back into the pockets of Wirral residents through reduced energy bills as well as improved health and housing standards.

“We're also helping community groups to reduce their energy bills by providing grants to help them to access energy saving measures for their buildings”.

The relevant Cabinet reports can be accessed by clicking on the links below:

Free Home Insulation Scheme: Item 27

Community Energy Efficiency Fund: Item 44