Low income homes across Suffolk will benefit from fully funded central heating systems over the next three years after the county was successful in obtaining a £4.3million grant.

The National Grid Warm Homes fund is designed to help more than four million homes across the country who struggle to pay for heating and are relying on expensive or inefficient systems.

The three year project has featured bids from across the country, with the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership securing £4.3m which will help 514 poor households in the county.

Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for environment and public protection said: “I am delighted that this funding has been secured.

“The local authorities in Suffolk have a long track record of securing funding to support our most vulnerable residents.

“This project will enable us to make a practical, long lasting difference to improve their living conditions and make their homes more affordable to heat.”

The scheme is being managed by the county council and administered through the Warm Homes Healthy People team at Suffolk Coastal District Council.

The county’s district and borough councils are also supporting the project with further funding.

As well as the fully-funded central heating systems, the cash is also helping install new insulation measures to make homes more energy efficient, alongside grants from the Surviving Winter campaign.

The £150m fund was established by National Grid using part of the proceeds from the sale of its majority stake in its gas distribution business.

It will fund the installation of affordable heating solutions in fuel poor households which don’t use mains gas as their primary source of heat.

John Pettigrew, chief executive of National Grid said: “The aim of our new fund is threefold; to help to reduce bills, make fuel poor households warmer and improve the health of people suffering the most severe levels of fuel poverty.”

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact the Suffolk Warm Homes Healthy People on 03456 037686.

Alternatively, visit www.greensuffolk.org/whf to find out more details and to complete an enquiry form.