The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) is targeted at households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of fuel allowance, invalidity or disability benefit. Referrals from public health nurses, community services and St Vincent De Paul are also accepted.
In 2007, there were approximately 270,000 households in receipt of the fuel allowance payment. Of these, approximately two thirds are in private housing and are eligible for the WHS. However, applicability is also dependent on the energy efficiency standard of the applicant's home and not all fuel allowance recipients' homes are in need of the WHS energy efficiency improvements.
To date, more than 20,000 homes have been substantially addressed by the WHS. In 2009 there is €20 million available to the WHS with a further 15,000 homes expected to be completed. The number of applicants on the WHS waiting list is 4,618 homes, which are registered with the 20 community based organisations currently delivering the WHS.
The 20 community based organisations represent coverage of just over two-thirds of the country. A number of additional community based organisations will be required to deliver nationwide coverage. It is planned to commence the introduction of new organisations from the end of March this year.
A number of improvements to the WHS will be introduced over the coming weeks, including a new free phone service designed to assist householders identify their nearest provider. If outside of current coverage, their details will be recorded and notified as soon as the service becomes available in their area. In addition, a new website will be launched to allow homeowners, neighbours or relatives find out more information about the WHS and other grant schemes available in their area.
The total spend on the WHS in 2008 was €5.6M, which represented a doubling of the previous years allocation.