Householders in Bradford could save up to 45 per cent of their heating costs by taking advantage of a new insulating scheme being piloted by Bradford Council.

The Bradford Warmer Insulated Stone Homes (WISH) scheme is designed for stone homes which are difficult to insulate and are not suitable for traditional cavity wall insulation. It offers a new type of foam cavity wall insulation which is suitable for most coursed stone-built homes which have a cavity with metal wall ties.

The pilot is for 50 properties and the Council is offering a grant of £1,000 towards the costs of this insulation, plus a further grant is available through partner Scottish Power.

Councillor David Green, the Council’s executive member for regeneration and economy, said: “With energy prices predicted to rise, this is a very important scheme which will help residents make significant savings on their fuel bills.

“It will also reduce the district’s carbon emissions to help tackle climate change.”

The main benefits to residents who take up the offer are a warmer home, savings of up to 45 per cent on heating costs, reduced condensation and protection against wind-driven rain penetration.

The cost of insulating a typical semi-detached or end-terrace house will be around £900 after the grant, and a typical mid-terrace house will be around £635 after the grant. Each property will require a survey to assess that the building is suitable for this type of insulation and to provide an accurate quotation.

Anyone wanting to take advantage of the offer should call 0800 833018 and ask for the Bradford WISH Scheme. The closing date for applications is Friday, February 17.