Shotley peninsula residents who are struggling to keep their homes warm, can contact a new project which offers funding of up to £5,000 and free advice.

Suffolk's councils, including Babergh, have joined together to establish Warm Homes Suffolk, which launches today.

The team will be on hand to offer expert advice on reducing energy bills, energy usage and identify benefits that residents may be entitled to, to help keep their homes warm.

The work of Warm Homes Suffolk will also help the county towards its target of Net Zero by 2030, as the project aims to better insulate homes and provide more efficient heating, meaning less carbon is released into the atmosphere.

A successful bid was made to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for £2.7 million pounds of funding to run Warm Homes Suffolk - The Warm Feeling Fund.

This is part of the Government's (Local Authority Delivery phase two) LAD2 Scheme, designed to improve the energy efficiency of Britain's homes.

The bid was led by Suffolk County Council, on behalf of all councils in the county. Councillor Andy Drummond, Chair of the Suffolk Environment Cabinet Members group, said: "With an imminent spike in energy costs for all households, Suffolk's authorities have joined together to offer valuable support and advice to residents.

"We want to assure people that help is out there, so that you don't have to live in a cold house, or become unwell, by worrying about your energy bills.

"If you, or anyone you know is having difficulty heating their home, or is concerned about their energy bills, please get in touch with Warm Homes Suffolk."

For eligible residents, the scheme can offer a range of home upgrades, including cavity, loft and external insulation, installation of solar photovoltaic systems and switching central heating to more efficient low carbon heat pumps.

The scheme is available to homeowners, those renting and landlords. There are some conditions to meet before being able to access funding, which is aimed at residents who are:

· earning under £30,000 per annum · currently receiving benefits (or think you may be eligible) · living in homes with a low energy rating If you are a landlord with tenants and property that meet the above criteria, then you could receive a subsidy of up to two-thirds for work which improves the energy efficiency of your property, up to the value of £5,000. More details and further information about eligibility can be found in the on the Warm Home Suffolk website www.warmhomessuffolk.org, or by calling 03456 037 686. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.