Melksham residents urged to keep well and keep warm this winter

VULNERABLE and elderly residents in Wiltshire can access financial support and practical advice on how to keep warm this winter.

Wiltshire Council is supporting a charity which gives out grants of up to £200 to residents who spend significant amounts on heating their homes. The council is also funding a free advice service which reminds people of practical things they can do to keep heat in their homes.

The Surviving Winter Fund is administered by the Community Foundation and provides grants for older people who spend on average 10% of their income on fuel during the cold winter months. Wiltshire Council’s contribution to the fund will go to Wiltshire residents who can apply for up to £200 to heat their homes in the cold weather.

This winter, as in previous years, Wiltshire Council is also one of nine local authorities funding Severn Wye Energy to provide free, impartial and local energy advice on the Warm and Well advice line on:

Simple changes in the home to reduce energy consumption or cut bills • Grants, loans or other forms of funding available for energy improvements • Understanding energy bills or help with changing suppliers • Signposting to other organisations which can offer advice.

Councillor Keith Humphries, cabinet member for public health and protection at Wiltshire Council said, “We know there are households in Wiltshire who have to make a choice between heating their homes and putting food on the table. Help is available and we hope that people will contact the helpline for advice and information.”

Maggie Rae, corporate director at Wiltshire Council said, “We recognise the importance of providing advice and support to people during the cold weather which is why we have funded the helpline again this year and supported grants for vulnerable people.  I urge anyone who is struggling to keep their home warm this winter to call the helpline.”