Easy places to get funding and advice

Key advice:

• Get in touch with your local Council - they will direct you towards grants or loans which can help you make the necessary changes

• The Warm Front Scheme – this is a government funded programme, which offers a package of home insulation and heating improvements up to the value of £2,700. To discover if you qualify, visit:mms://ms.groovygecko.net/groovyg/clients/gbtv/CarbonFreeTV/200805/PaulBCF_hb.wmv

• The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) – this is an agreement between the government and our national gas and electricity suppliers, which will benefit residents as companies are now mandated to help you make your home as energy efficient as possible. Get in touch with your supplier today

• The Energy Saving Trust or the Carbon Trust – visit these websites today. They offer practical assistance about adapting the way you live. For the EST visit: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/ or for the Carbon Trust go to: http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/default.ct

Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA environment board, identifies sources of funding available to householders wanting to make changes to their lifestyles and singles out some useful websites.