As the temperature drops, Crawley Borough Council and LEAP are on hand to help residents save money and keep warm this winter.

The newly established partnership offers a free energy and money advice service for the next three years to people most in need of support.

Through the programme, eligible households will be able to benefit from a complimentary home visit from one of their friendly, qualified home energy advisers.

The free of charge package, delivered by LEAP, can:

• Help check if you are on the cheapest energy tariff – this could save you more than £280 per year
• Install free simple energy saving measures which can save the average household £30 on their energy bills each year
• Give day-to-day energy saving hints and tips to ensure your heating system is set up to keep you warm and save you money
• Arrange for telephone advice to help with benefits, debt and other money problems
• Can help you access other improvements such as loft insulation or a new boiler.

Those eligible for the scheme include people who are on a low income or are vulnerable to the cold because of health conditions.

LEAP can be especially helpful to those who:

• Have high energy bills
• Live in a draughty, damp or mouldy home
• Have no or an inadequate heating system.

Leader of Crawley Borough Council, Councillor Peter Lamb, said “Almost 3,000 Crawley households will struggle to heat their homes this winter. To help combat this, we are very pleased to launch our partnership with LEAP.

“This service will be invaluable to those affected by fuel poverty; who will make good use of the money they could save by switching to a cheaper energy tariff.”

To find out more about LEAP and to arrange a free home visit from one of their friendly advisers, call 0800 060 7657 or apply online at www.applyforleap.org.uk