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Help for residents

Energy efficiency grant

Could you get up to £2,700 towards new efficient central heating?

Warm Front makes homes warmer, healthier and more energy-efficient. The Warm Front Grant provides a package of insulation and heating improvements up to the value of £2,700 (or £4,000 if oil central heating is recommended). It is a government-funded initiative and the scheme is managed by eaga. If you own your own home or rent it from a private landlord, you may be eligible for a grant under the Warm Front Scheme. For more information or to apply visit www.warmfront.co.uk (external link) or call freephone 0800 316 2805

Save money by being energy efficient

Energy saving trust is a non-profit organisation that provides free impartial advice tailored to suit you. Their advice can help you save money and fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from your home.

Act On Energy website
Freephone 0800 988 2881:

To get energy saving ideas and see if you are eligible for grants and offers visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk (external link) or call freephone 0800 512 012.


Council tax discounts and exemptions

Are you paying too much council tax?

There are discounts and exemptions available to help council tax payers. Some discounts and exemptions are as follows:

* Single Person Discount - 25% off your council tax bill for dwellings with one occupier.
* Disabled Relief - A one band reduction, if you, or someone who lives with you (an adult or child), uses a wheelchair indoors, or has an additional bathroom, kitchen or other room to meet special needs arising from a disability.
* Severe mental impairment - 100% exemption for dwellings solely occupied by persons who are severely mentally impaired.
* Student exemption - if there are full time students in the property you may be able to get an exemption or a discount on the council tax.
* Other help - A dwelling left unoccupied by a person who has moved to receive personal care, whether in a hospital, nursing home or residential care home.

If you feel you may be entitled to any of the above please call the council's Customer Service Centre on (01788) 533488 for further information and an application form. The Customer Service Centre is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.


Benefit entitlement

Do you have less than £16,000 in savings? Are you on a low income or benefits from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)?

If you can answer yes to both of these questions you could be entitled to rent and/or council tax benefits. Visit http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/benefitsadviser/ (external link) for an estimated guide to what benefits you may be entitled. If you feel you may be entitled then we can provide a form for you to complete. Please call our Customer Service Centre on (01788) 533433 or come and see us at Town Hall, Evreux Way, Rugby CV21 2RR.


Free bus passes

Are you entitled to free bus travel across England?

Concessionary Bus Passes give men and women who are age 60 or over, or eligible disabled, free off peak local bus travel anywhere in England (not Wales, Scotland or Ireland). The bus pass is free, though there is a charge of £7.50 for replacement passes.

You can download an application form, or come in to our Customer Service Centre at Town Hall, Evreux Way, Rugby CV21 2RR. Alternatively, phone us on (01788) 533729.


Things to do for free

Struggling for things to do? There is a rolling programme of exhibitions at Rugby Art Gallery, while the museum and the Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum are both free and worth a visit.

Rugby Borough Council has a number of Urban Walks to try.

If you feel like improving your health and seeing the sights of Rugby we have produced three urban walk leaflets.

The walks take around 30 to 40 minutes each at a brisk pace and are all 3km in length.

Independent advice
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) may be able to offer you some financial advice free of charge. You will need to book an appointment.

Citizens Advice Bureau
Chestnut House
32 North Street
Rugby
CV21 2AG
Telephone: 01788 541000

Office opening hours for money advice:

10am - 4pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays
10am - 12pm Wednesdays

The CAB offices are open on a Saturday from 10am -12pm but not for money advice appointments.