RESIDENTS are being encouraged to check to see whether they qualify for free central heating as time runs out on the scheme.

Householders across the Redcar and Cleveland area have until Monday, October 31 to apply for the funding.

Privately owned or rented households without central heating systems could have a heating system installed free of charge if they are on a low income or in receipt of income-related benefits, as part of the Central Heating Fund.

Councillor Lynn Pallister, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and housing, said: “There are a lot of homes across Redcar and Cleveland that are at risk of missing out on getting a new central heating system free of charge and potentially reducing their bills by a big margin.

“The Central Heating Fund is making a huge difference to the quality of life of the people it helps and we really want that benefit to be felt across the borough.”

Householders who heat their homes with electric storage heaters, single gas fires or a solid fuel-fire system that does not reach all habitable rooms in the property could benefit from the scheme.

The Affordable Warmth team has written to 2,300 homes that would potentially be eligible, but time is running out before the scheme closes at the end of October.

Around 700 homes in the region have already benefitted from the scheme, including more than 100 in Redcar and Cleveland.

Anyone wanting more information or to check to see if they qualify for the Warm Up North scheme should visit www.warmupnorth.com/chf or call 0800 294 8073.