In all, 226 homes are programmed to be improved by March 2011, leading to benefits in health, wellbeing and lifestyle and more will hopefully follow.

A Thermal Comfort Grant can be used to replace draughty and/or old windows and doors, fit thermostatic radiator valves, replace broken or out-of-date central heating systems, fires, radiators and faulty boilers. It may also be used to change a solid fuel system over and install a gas-fired system.

To qualify for the grant applicants need to be an owner-occupier and on at least one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Disabled Persons Tax Credit
• Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Council Tax Benefit
• Guaranteed Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Working Tax Credit
• War Disablement Pension
• Disability Living Allowance
• Attendance Allowance
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Applications for a Thermal Comfort Grant are now invited by calling 01623 450000 or by emailing thermalcomfort@ashfield-dc.gov.uk
Ashfield District Council will also be holding drop-in advice surgeries in all its main and satellite offices in the near future – keep your eye on the local press for details!!