A NATIONWIDE scheme to combat health problems by improving housing is to be launched in Chester-le-Street this week.

The scheme will allow local health care professionals to prescribe house insulation instead of medication when they are faced with patients' repeated complaints of colds, flu and asthma.

It is thought that thousands of pounds could be saved using energy-efficient measures in homes where shoddy insulation causes health problems.

Funded by Chester-le-Street District Council and local primary care groups, the Eaga Partnerships initiative offers grants of up to £400 for cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, draught-proofing, hot watertank jackets, low energy bulbs and other energy saving devices.

A spokesman for Eaga, a Government agency that tackles fuel poverty and the health ramifications, said: "The initiative provides distinct benefits for local householders, local authorities and primary care groups alike.

"For households it provides a warmer, healthier home and significant reductions in fuel bills, while for the local authority there are the benefits of valuable employment and improvement in housing stock. For the primary care group it is a cost-effective way of helping repeat patients."

To qualify for a grant, householders must receive council tax benefit or be aged 60 or over.

Local Government and Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong, will launch the scheme at Chester-le-Street Community Centre tomorrow.