FORESTERS can save thousands of pounds in fuel bills over the next few years by applying for free loft and internal and external insulation for their homes – before grants run out.
"There are massive grants available at the moment, but not for much longer," said Kaye Welfare from the Highnam-based charity Severn Wye Energy Agency which runs the Gloucestershire Warm and Well Freephone helpline.
"We want to make sure as many people in Gloucestershire don't miss out on this great opportunity to cut the cost of heating their homes in future."
The Warm and Well helpline 0800 500 3076 offers free, independent and impartial advice.
Lorraine Drew, the Forest of Dean District Council's private sector housing manager, said: "In the Forest of Dean district, a survey of housing stock showed that 4,500 privately owned homes (18 per cent) were in an 'excess cold – category one' state due to poor insulation and inadequate heating."
The NHS has to bear the brunt of treating cold-related health problems arising from such living conditions, costing millions of pounds a year across the UK.
Kaye Welfare added: "Everyone can now get free cavity wall insulation and anyone over 70, on a low income or with less than 60mm of insulation will qualify for free loft insulation whether they own the property or are privately renting.
"Grants for solid wall insulation are also likely to be available soon. It really is the very best time to insulate your home.
"Energy companies are falling over themselves to offer free or low cost insulation; we're impartial, so we can help people find the best deal to suit them. The offer is subject to the property having a survey and funding availability so it's really important to act now as these offers are only going to be available for a limited time."
The offers are funded through a government-backed scheme called the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target. Consumers all pay for this scheme through a levy on energy bills. For free, independent and impartial advice call 0800 500 3076 or text WARM to 83010.