GRANTS of up to £200 are on offer to West Devon residents who need to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
The grants are available from Heat Devon, an action task force of district councils throughout the county.
The grants are not means-tested and may be used for laying loft insulation or installing cavity wall insulation, which will save money on fuel bills and help the environment by reducing energy consumption.
Nick Payne, head of environmental services at West Devon Borough Council, said: 'It's money that has been secured as part of a national bidding process for energy efficiency measures.
'The grants are quite widely available to people who need to do cavity wall insulation or loft insulation for the first time, or top ups.'
The grants will be awarded regardless of income, although the money is limited and will be spent on a first come, first served basis. They will take the form of discount vouchers with chosen suppliers.
Mr Payne said: 'A lot of grants are dependent on people being on benefits. The reason this is not is the UK is signed up to a global action programme on carbon dioxide emissions.
'It's recognised that if we are going to make a proper reduction in these emissions action does have to be taken with the so-called fuel-rich as well.'
Mr Payne said ideally, loft insulation should be at least six inches thick, although many modern houses now have eight inches of insulation.
He said the Heat Devon scheme should 'kick in' during this summer.
'Hopefully, people should be able to get their homes insulated before the winter,' he said.
Anyone interested in applying for a Heat Devon grant should call West Devon Borough Council on 01822 813600 and ask for a leaflet and application form.
Alternatively call freephone 0800 731 7116 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]