A COUPLE from east Durham are among the first to benefit from changes to a government-backed home insulation and heating scheme.

Ron and Laura Griffin are £700 better off thanks to an increase in the maximum grant from Warm Front, the initiative which provides financial help with heating, insulation and other energy efficiency improvements.

The couple applied to have a new central heating boiler fitted in their home in Ashbrooke Estate, Shotton, in April.

But as the work cost more than the maximum grant of £2,700 they were left footing the bill for the extra amount.

However, following the Government's decision to increase the grant to £3,500, the Griffins will now be reimbursed the £700 they had to contribute.

Laura Griffin said: "This is great news. We were very pleased with the work that was carried out, but now that we will be refunded the extra money we paid out it makes it even better."

Since 2000 the Warm Front scheme, which is available to people on qualifying or income related benefits, has helped more than two million householders.

Coun Clive Robson, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: "Warm Front has proved a great success since it was introduced, helping thousands of people to live in warmer, more energy efficient homes.

"It is hoped that the funding increase will eliminate the need for households to pay more on top of the grant to have work to be completed. It will especially help those people who would not have been able to afford to make a contribution to the cost of installation."

Anyone who applied for a grant after 23 April and has had work completed can apply to be reimbursed for any contributions made up to the maximum amount of £3,500.

For further information contact freephone 0800-316-6011.