For a number of months I’ve been trying to help an elderly resident who lives near Stapleton Hall Road get his home heated properly. He is in his 70s and is a widower living alone. His central heating broke down years ago, but he has no money to pay for new heating.
The Government provide Warm Front grants for older people in his situation. I thought everything would be sorted when the Council arranged for a Warm Front engineer to visit. However, it turns out there is a £3,500 cap on support, which is £800 less than what the engineer thinks it will take.
The resident contacted me again to see what I could do – as he couldn’t pay the £800 himself. I was worried we might have to arrange for the heating to only go in certain rooms, but a few days ago Haringey Council got back to me saying they would make up the £800 gap. This is excellent news – and I think it will save the Council money in the long run, if it keeps him healthy and in his own home.
I’m so pleased to have been able to help this guy. Its not very often you can make such an obvious difference. If you know of anyone in a similar position, please do look into what help might be available.