A SCHEME that could provide free central heating systems for vulnerable residents in Trafford has been backed by council bosses.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has secured £1.8 million to supply 500 homes with heating from the Warm Homes Fund (WHF).

A WHF spokesman said there are more than four million UK households living in fuel poverty.

“As well as being on low incomes many are also faced with the additional burden of relying on heating systems that are expensive to run and are inadequate for their needs,” they added.

“Furthermore, because of their circumstances or property type they may not currently be able to benefit from existing mandated schemes.”

The scheme, which is running throughout 2018/19, is operating on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once all the funds have been allocated.

It will provide vulnerable people who are struggling to afford to stay warm with a free central heating.

Cllr Kevin Procter, portfolio holder for communities and housing, said: “There are thousands of homes in Trafford that do not have central heating.

“Residents instead rely on expensive heaters which may be dangerous and provide inadequate warmth.”

He continued: “Many people cannot afford to run these for long periods ­— and are therefore getting cold as a result.

“It is not right that people are getting into debt, or falling ill because it’s too expensive to heat their homes.

“This initiative is a great example of public and private sector agencies coming together to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

For more information call Local Energy Advice Programme on 0800 060 7567 to check eligibility.

For more information about the scheme visit greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/warmhomesfund.