A NEW £2.9m programme could help more than 700 local households lower their fuel bills and keep their homes warm, following approval from West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Part-funded by the National Grid, the Leeds City Region Warm Homes programme will install gas-fired central heating systems and gas connections in any eligible privately-owned and privately-rented homes in Bradford, Calderdale and other Yorkshire areas.

The scheme is being funded through National Grid’s £150m Warm Homes Fund (£1.6m) alongside local councils, EON, Northern Gas Networks, Housing Leeds and private landlords.

It was approved to progress at the Combined Authority’s Board meeting shortly before Christmas.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council and Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “By progressing the Warm Homes programme in partnership with National Grid, the Combined Authority is showcasing its commitment to inclusive growth and helping more people across Leeds City Region benefit from our work.

“We know that residents who live in fuel poor homes are more vulnerable to ill health and less likely to take part in training and employment opportunities. Thanks to the funding approved, we can tackle this head on and support even more people in the City Region.”

Residents who own or privately rent their home can find out if they are eligible by calling Better Homes Yorkshire on 0800 597 1500.

Those that apply can't already have a central heating system installed and have to show that they struggle to heat their home.

If approved, they will be offered new heating systems on a first-come, first-served basis.

Studies show that more than 140,000 homes across Leeds City Region (10.8 per cent) are classed as being fuel poor. This is higher than the national average of 10.4 per cent.

Many of these homes do not use gas mains to heat their homes.

Keepmoat Regeneration, part of the ENGIE Group, and Housing Leeds will carry out the works, which is expected to be completed by April 2019.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability, said: “This initiative will make a huge difference to people living across the Leeds City Region, giving them some extra support in heating their homes more efficiently. I really welcome this project as it will have a tangible impact on our ongoing efforts to tackle fuel poverty.

“We have heard recently that Leeds has the largest number of people switching energy providers in the country, proving that reducing energy bills is a real priority for residents. New programmes such as this that provide further help for people to do so are of huge benefit.”