PEOPLE in Herefordshire could get free central heating as part of a new initiative.

People in the county on a qualifying level of income and specified benefits are being offered free first-time gas central heating under an initiative run by renewable electricity provider E.ON and Herefordshire Council.

Anyone living in a Herefordshire home currently using electric storage, panel or plug in heaters can check their eligibility with the council and apply immediately if they qualify.

To qualify for the scheme people may already have a gas connection but must not currently have gas central heating.

These first-time central heating systems are being installed free of charge for eligible Herefordshire residents under the Warm Homes Fund scheme and include a brand-new gas boiler, radiators and a thermostat.

The scheme also provides a fully-funded connection to the gas network if required and can include free loft and cavity wall insulation for qualifying homes.

Eligibility is linked to household income level and qualifying benefits, but applicants don’t need to be an E.ON or E.ON Next energy customer to qualify.

Councillor Ange Tyler, cabinet member for housing, regulatory services and community safety at Herefordshire Council, said that installing central heating into a home can make a big difference to the comfort, health and energy bills.

"To be able to offer free first-time systems and insulation to eligible Herefordshire households is an opportunity for the whole county to benefit from lower fuel poverty as well as improving the energy efficiency of people’s homes,” she said.