25/02/2010

Armagh MLAs have provided their support to the news that over half of householders involved in the Warm Homes Scheme were found to be entitled to more benefits or tax credits, following a Benefit Maximisation Check carried out under the Scheme.

On average, benefit checks have resulted in an additional weekly income of £33.11, or just over £1,700 per year.

The Scheme, which is funded by the Department for Social Development and administered by the Housing Executive, is managed by Bryson Charitable Group across 13 council areas across Northern Ireland including the Armagh area.

To date over 2,400 benefit checks have been carried out for both applicants of the scheme and those enquiring about their eligibility to participate in it.

Since Bryson’s involvement with the Scheme commenced in July 2009, it has helped administer support to almost 1,300 householders and has achieved an average energy saving in these households of almost 25%, surpassing the Department for Social Development’s target of 15%.

Welcoming the news of Bryson’s achievements, SDLP MLA for Newry & Armagh Dominic Bradley commented: “Bryson’s management of the Warm Homes scheme helps to ease a financial burden, which many householders might struggle without, whilst greatly improving energy efficiency at the same time.

“The continuing success of the Scheme in my constituency is a testament to the work of those involved in the management of the programme and I look forward to seeing more and more people benefit from the Scheme,”

To find out more about the Scheme, please visit www.warm-homes.com or call 0800 988 0559.

Photo Caption: SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley joins Bryson Energy Director, Nigel Brady in support of the Warm Homes Scheme.

Armagh-Down Observer 25-Feb-2010