Ron and Laura Griffin, from Ashbrooke Estate in Shotton Colliery, are £700 better off, thanks to an increase in the maximum grant from Warm Front.

The initiative offers financial help with heating, insulation and other energy efficiency improvements across the region.

The Griffins applied to have a new central heating boiler fitted in their home in April – but as the work cost more than the maximum grant of £2,700, they were left footing the bill for the extra amount.

However, after the Government's decision to increase the grant to £3,500, they will now be reimbursed the £700 they had to contribute.
Mrs Griffin said: "This is great news.

"We were very pleased with the work that was carried out – but now that we will be refunded the extra money we paid out, it makes it even better."

Coun Clive Robson, Durham County Council's cabinet member for housing, said: "Warm Front has proved a great success since it was introduced, helping thousands of people to live in warmer, more energy-efficient homes.

"It is hoped that the funding increase will eliminate the need for households to pay more on top of the grant to have work to be completed.

"It will especially help those people who would not have been able to afford to make a contribution to the cost of installation."

Since 2000 the Warm Front scheme, which is available to people on qualifying or income-related benefits, has helped more than two million householders.

Anyone who applied for a grant after April 23 and has had work completed can apply to be reimbursed for any contributions made up to the maximum amount of £3,500.

For further information, contact freephone 0800 316 6011.