West Lancs Winter Warm scheme

One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm. Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions. Through our West Lancs Winter Warm Scheme, we are working to help you keep warm this winter. 

Who can we help? 

From the 1 October 2017, the eligibility criteria has slightly changed. If you have applied to the scheme before but did not qualify, please check the new criteria to see if you now qualify.

The scheme is only available to owner occupiers living in West Lancashire who do not have a plan covering the repair of their gas heating appliances (for example British Gas boiler cover) and who are on a low income. A member of the household must also have one of the vulnerabilities listed below. 

Vulnerabilities:

  • a diagnosed cardiovascular condition
  • a diagnosed respiratory condition (in particular COPD and childhood asthma)
  • a diagnosed mental health condition
  • a diagnosed disability
  • aged 65 or over
  • have children aged 5 or under
  • pregnant
  • terminally ill
  • have a suppressed immune system (e.g. from cancer treatment or HIV)
  • mobility issues and have attended hospital due to a fall

Low Income:

Whether you are on a low income will be confirmed in one of the following three ways:

  • being on a qualifying benefit
  • completing a fuel poverty assessment
  • a declaration by the Council or a health/social care professional that affordability issues are present

The qualifying benefits are:

  • Income Support
  • Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Employment Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Working Tax Credit (with an assessed household income of less than £15,860 per year)
  • Child Tax Credit (with an assessed household income of less than £15,860 per year)
  • War Disablement Pension (must include mobility supplement or constant attendance allowance)
  • Industrial Injuries Benefit (must include constant attendance allowance) 

What help is available?

Funding is available to carry out gas boiler and gas fire repairs and repairs to radiators. If your boiler cannot be repaired, we may be able to replace it. Funding is also available for glazing improvements (up to £2,500).

More information 

 How to stay warm: general advice 

The government's advice on getting ready for winter aims to reduce cold-related illness and deaths. Key tips include:

  • Keep your home warm. Your main living room should be between around 18-21C (65-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F). You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you're in bed.
  • Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.
  • Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they're safe and well. Make sure they're warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don't need to go out during very cold weather. If you're worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 169 2081.