19/02/2010

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

This has resulted in over 1,200 people discovering they are entitled to an additional income and a total of 124 people have found they are entitled to a benefit which qualifies them to avail of the Warm Homes Scheme.

The Warm Homes Scheme provides eligible clients with a range of insulation and heating measures along with a free benefit entitlement and maximisation check and tailored energy advice to help save householders money.

Welcoming the news of Bryson’s achievements, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Lord Maurice Morrow 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.”

Photo Caption: Nigel Brady, Director of Energy with Bryson Charitable Group is pictured here with Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA, Lord Maurice Morrow.

Dungannon Observer 19-Feb-2010