Conwy County Borough Council
03/10/2008
Since March 2006, eligible householders in Conwy County Borough Council who purchase cavity wall insulation from British Gas have received a credit of £60 towards their Council Tax Account for 2006-07.
British Gas offers the cavity wall insulation at a subsidised cost to the householder. Under the scheme, the Council receives a £15 Referral Fee from British Gas for every household taking up the scheme.
To qualify, the householder had initially to agree to British Gas installing insulation worth at least £174; this has since been increased to £250 (discounted from an average of £430). The discounted insulation and the Council Tax credit is not available to Council or Housing Association tenants or householders entitled to free insulation under other schemes. From March 2007, those installing solar heating and water systems will receive the same council tax credit and may apply for grants towards installation costs.
The most recent figures indicate that 418 households have taken advantage of the scheme, suggesting that at least some residents saw the scheme as offering better value for money than other incentives available. It is estimated that householders could recoup their investment within 18-24 months and achieve savings on future energy bills. Additionally, the scheme raises energy awareness - both for residents (through Council Tax demand notifications) and within the Council (as the scheme required approval from both members and Finance officers). The Council reported that administering the scheme had minimal resource implications.
Contact Name: Adrian Johnson
Contact Role: Maintenance Surveyor
Contact Telephone: 01492 574230
Contact Email: Adrian.johnson@conwy.gov.uk
Contact Address: Conwy County Borough Council
Bodlondeb
Conwy
North Wales
LL32 8DU
Website: www.conwy.gov.uk