A new partnership has been created to help eligible residents secure energy efficiency improvements to their homes - and offer advice on keeping warm.

South Kesteven District Council is joining forces with other local authorities across Lincolnshire to form Lincs 4 Warmer Homes - L4WH - which helps people save money and reduce their energy use.

Those who qualify can upgrade their heating or get other improvements including:

Loft insulation

Cavity wall insulation

Solid wall insulation

Boiler replacements

First-time central heating

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Robert Reid, said: "This scheme is to help vulnerable residents get additional funding through the Energy Company Obligation and make energy-efficiency improvements to their homes. A warm home is something no one should be without. "Funding is limited and will be released on a first come first served basis so I would urge anyone who thinks work might need to be done to get in touch as soon as possible." The county-wide organisation, Lincs 4 Warmer Homes, connects residents with funding and installers to keep people warm while keeping energy bills under control. For example, households can get their heating facilities changed through National Grid's £150m Warm Homes Fund, a programme only available through local authorities and registered social landlords. Residents in receipt of certain income-related benefits who rely on storage heaters, fixed and/or portable room heaters and solid fuel fires could upgrade to A-rated gas central heating or, where mains gas is not an option, LPG will be offered, subject to survey to determine eligibility and acceptance by the installer. The funding has come through National Grid's £150m Warm Homes Fund, a programme administered by Community Interest Company, Affordable Warmth Solutions and only available through local authorities and registered social landlords. Householders who think they could benefit from new heating and could meet the eligibility criteria can contact the L4WH Team online via www.l4wh.co.uk, call (01472) 326434 or email [email protected]. More information on energy efficiency and keeping warm can be found at the SKDC website: http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8146