Residents in the Sevenoaks can keep warm this winter with help from the council.

Anyone aged over 65 who has a chronic or severe illness, disability or any other long-term condition and is struggling to heat their home, could receive a free assessment to see what can be done.

Help includes grant funding, which is available between December, 1 and March, 31, for heating, insulation, boiler repairs or other works necessary to help maximise energy efficiency.

Private landlords may also be able to help their tenants while saving cash on energy bills through the council’s Hard To Treat scheme.

Those who accept tenants from the council’s private sector lettings scheme, can apply for funding which will help to improve their properties by making them more secure and energy efficient.

Cllr Michele Lowe, the council’s cabinet member for housing said: “Both of the schemes will help to ensure residents are kept warm this winter, helping to avoid illnesses and making them more comfortable within their homes.

"I’m pleased we can help to offer schemes like this both for private and rented properties.”

The energy efficiency measures which can be funded by the scheme depend on the circumstances of each case, other measures covered for landlords who meet the requirements of the scheme also include solar heating and external wall insulation, subject to available funding.

For more info call 01732 227000 or e-mail information@sevenoaks.gov.uk