The country might be basking in a heatwave, but it’s not just the sun that’s heating up homes. Vale of White Horse District Council has awarded over £81,000 to help keep homes in the district warm once the sun – as it surely will – decides to hide away once more. The council was part of project involving seven other local authorities which worked together to secure more than half a million pounds from the government to help residents make their homes more energy efficient. As part of the council’s Green Deal Communities project, grants of up to £3000 per household were handed out to residents who needed help to pay their energy bills and keep their house at a healthy, comfortable temperature. The cash has gone towards things like cavity wall insulation, replacement boilers, and new external doors to keep houses warm once the cold weather returns. According to the latest government statistics, eight per cent of households in the district were in fuel poverty in 2014, meaning that their fuel costs were higher than average and would leave residents below the poverty line if they paid them. Councillor Matthew Barber, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This funding really makes a long-term difference for people who struggle to keep their home warm. By improving things like insulation, their energy bills come down and their house is much easier to heat.” “We managed to secure the second highest amount of funding just behind our neighbours in South Oxfordshire, so this money will really make a difference to people facing a difficult winter.” Anyone who needs advice on saving energy and cutting their energy bills can contact the Affordable Warmth Helpline on 0800 107 0044 or email at awn@nef.org.uk.