Save money this winter with stamps scheme

THE Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Whitehead has launched a new scheme aimed at helping householders save money as the winter weather sets in.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Oct 2010, 17:28 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2010, 20:54 BST

The Stay Warm Saving Scheme, which has been endorsed by both Carrickfergus Borough Council and the Public Health Agency, allows residents to save for a fill of home heating oil rather than having to spend hundreds of pounds in one payment.

Customers can purchase 5 stamps from retailers in Whitehead and Ballycarry, then put the stamps on a stamp card and use the card to make payment or part payment for a fill of oil. The stamps are being sold in Nearbuy, Main Street, Ballycarry. They are also available in Whitehead at McAuley’s Newsagents, The Flower Shop and Whitehead Community Centre.

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The 2006 Northern Ireland House Condition Survey estimates that 31 per cent of households in the Carrickfergus Borough Council area are fuel poor. In Larne, the percentage is 43 per cent - the second highest in Northern Ireland. As the survey was undertaken before the increase in energy prices in 2008, it is acknowledged that fuel poverty levels are now likely to be much higher.

Speaking at the launch, SVP President Paddy Stewart said “The Stay Warm Saving Scheme has been running very successfully in other areas of Northern Ireland for some years now and we are delighted to be bringing this to Whitehead. The primary aim of the scheme is enable householders to save for a fill of oil and to be able to heat their home more efficiently.”

For information on the Stay Warm Saving Scheme, contact Carrickfergus Borough Council on 028 9335 8080.

As part of the initiative, SVP will be also be working in association with Carrickfergus and Larne councils to distribute information on grants and energy efficiency measures. Both councils have an energy efficiency adviser funded through the Public Health Agency, who is available to give talks to community groups and schools and can give advice and information on the current grants and schemes available for home insulation, or how to update heating systems.

For further information on grants for heating and insulation, contact Carrick council on 028 9335 8080 or Larne council on 028 2827 2313.