New cure for boiler blues

A new scheme has arrived to help pensioners struggling to keep their central heating going through the winter freeze.

The gas heating and electrical repair scheme is one of the first of its kind in the country and has been launched by Rochdale Council’s Home Improvement Agency to help elderly home owners get minor central heating and electrical faults repaired.

Elderly home owners are able to get low cost safety repairs done for free when boilers, radiators, gas fires and hot water heaters are not working or pilot lights have gone out. Simple electrical faults like broken sockets and light fittings can also be repaired.

Council approved contractors will fix faults for free when they cost less than £150 to repair. If the problem can’t be fixed under the scheme or the repair is too expensive, people will be given help and advice on the best way to get the repair done quickly.

Elderly private tenants finding it difficult to get their landlord to repair electrical and gas faults can also be offered help and advice.

Rochdale Council cabinet member for housing, Doreen Brophy-Lee said: “Older people are particularly vulnerable when it comes to getting minor gas heating and electrical repairs done. They will often put their own health and safety at risk because they are worried about the cost of the repair or finding someone who will do a good job.

“This new scheme will take those worries away by providing a low cost option backed by our award winning Home Improvement Agency.”