Warm Homes Scheme – Improves Energy Efficiency of Clough Home by Over 50%

For Clough based farmer Mr Stanley Watson, a phone call to Bryson Energy paid dividends as it started a process, that resulted in him improving the energy efficiency of his home by over 50%.

Stanley explains: “I heard about the Warm Homes Scheme through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and in May 2012, I contacted Bryson Energy to find out more about the programme.  As I wasn’t in receipt of a qualifying benefit, which is a requirement I wasn’t eligible to access the scheme.  During the phone call I was advised of the Benefit Entitlement Check process.”

Carol McCabe, Benefits Advice Officer from Bryson Energy explains what a benefit entitlement check involves:

“A benefit entitlement check is an independent assessment carried out by one of Bryson Energy’s fully qualified Benefits Advice Team to see if there are any additional benefits that a person might be entitled to claim that would allow them to qualify for measures under the Warm Homes Scheme.

“As part of this check, Bryson Energy’s team identify the person’s individual circumstances and incomes. The advisor undertakes calculations and advises the person on any additional benefits they may be entitled to claim and importantly how to go about making that claim.”

The check is carried out over the phone, making it quick and easy and information disclosed is treated as confidential.

Stanley adds: “In terms of my own circumstances, I was a self-employed farmer with a low income. The benefit entitlement check identified that I would be entitled to claim Working Tax Credits and Rate Relief.  On this advice I submitted a claim and was awarded Working Tax Credit and Rates Relief.  Being awarded Working Tax Credit then meant that I became eligible for the Warm Homes Scheme.

“I then had a survey completed on my home to see what measures I would be entitled to free, under the Scheme. This identified that I was eligible for both loft and cavity wall insulation which was installed by Bryson Energy’s accredited subcontractors in July 2012.”

When the work was completed, an Energy Performance Certificate was completed on Stanley’s home and this showed that the energy rating of the property had improved by 54%.

Stanley concludes:  “The insulation measures made a significant difference both in terms of the comfort of my home and in reducing home heating bills. I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to Carol McCabe from Bryson Energy, who made the process simple and assisted each step of the way.  I would highly recommend the benefit check and the Warm Homes Scheme.”

For anyone that may be keen to find out more information about the Warm Homes Scheme or who wants to access a free Benefit Entitlement Check they should contact Warm Homes on 0800 988 0559 or www.warm-homes.com.

Bryson Energy is part of the Bryson Charitable Group, Northern Ireland’s leading social enterprise.