Turn a big bill into a ‘Little Bill’

Households across Bury can apply for up to £7,000 to help slash the cost of their energy bills.

Under the new Little Bill campaign, Bury Council is working with Greater Manchester Energy Advice and Keepmoat Regeneration to help people save money and improve the energy efficiency of
their homes.

The campaign's mascot – Little Bill, a sausage dog draft excluder - will soon begin appearing across the borough on posters and leaflets encouraging households to apply for up to £7,000 towards the cost of buying and installing a variety of energy efficiency measures in their homes.

Under the deal, residents can claim back up to 75% of the total cost of internal or external solid wall insulation, to a maximum of £6,000. In addition, up to £1,000 could be claimed by people who install two or more measures from a prescribed list of energy efficiency measures, such as boilers, standard insulation and double glazing.

Any homeowners or private tenants living in Bury can apply for this offer - visit www.gmenergyadvice.co.uk or call 0800 009 3363.  

Also, Bury Council and Greater Manchester Energy Advice are inviting residents who have installed energy saving measures to open up their houses as show homes and show their neighbours how it’s done. In return, selected households will be offered up to £12,000 towards the costs of their energy efficient home improvements.

To apply for this, householders must be willing to have their homes made into beacons within their communities, demonstrating to people how they can make their homes easier to heat, healthier and fit for the future.

Successful applicants will open their doors to the public on seven set days over a two-year period, so visitors and their neighbours can see for how these measures work.  Applicants will also have their energy usage and bills monitored over this period to provide evidence of savings achieved.

Three households – one each from the Ramsbottom, Tottington and Prestwich areas - will benefit from this scheme, selected according to criteria including location, house type and the range of
energy improvements that could be installed.

To register your interest in this funding and obtain help in transforming your property into a show home, phone Greater Manchester Energy Advice on 0800 009 3363.

Councillor Shori, deputy leader of Bury Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for residents across the borough to lower their energy bills. However, it’s especially exciting for those living in Ramsbottom, Tottington and Prestwich who may be able to obtain a significant amount of extra funding towards making energy efficiency improvements to their homes, transforming them into show homes. I would urge residents to contact the advice line and apply now to avoid missing out on such
a good opportunity.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 30 June 2014.

Picture attached: The Little Bill mascot.

Notes to editors:

The scheme is funded through the Green Deal Communities and Green Deal Home Improvement funds.

Funding is subject to survey, availability and terms and conditions.

Greater Manchester Energy Advice was formerly known as the Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service, Get Me Toasty campaign.