Wakefield Council has allocated an extra £218,000 to help vulnerable households stay warm, increasing the Fuel Poverty Fund budget for 2026/27 from £58,000 to £276,000.
The investment will support around 75 households with fully funded heating improvements during this financial year, compared to around 15 under the original budget. The Fuel Poverty Fund has helped almost 400 vulnerable households since its launch in 2013.
Who can apply
The fund supports homeowners on low incomes whose health is affected by cold living conditions and who have broken or inadequate heating systems.
Residents may be eligible if they have a household income below £25,000 after tax, National Insurance, and mortgage payments, savings of less than £16,000, a broken or inadequate heating system, a health condition or disability that makes them vulnerable to the cold, and Council Tax arrears of no more than two months.
What improvements are available
Fully funded improvements include new central heating systems, radiators and heating controls, pipework and electrical works, flues and other enabling works, and heating fuel conversions such as replacing coal heating with gas systems.
How to apply
Applications are open now. The Council aims to allocate all available funding by 31 March 2027. Residents can contact the Home Energy Team on 01924 305887 or email energyteam@wakefield.gov.uk. Applications can also be made through the Healthy Housing Pathway on the Wakefield Council website. Housing, health and voluntary sector professionals can make referrals on behalf of residents.