Regulation 5 Amendments to the principal Regulations

After regulation 4 (purposes for which grant may be approved), after paragraph (1) insert—

“(1A)

An application for a Boiler Replacement grant to replace a heating boiler with a new more energy efficient heating boiler may be approved, where the existing boiler—

(a)

is at least 15 years old; and

(b)

the applicant is the homeowner and lives in the dwelling as their sole or main residence.”.

in paragraph (2) omit sub paragraph (g).

after paragraph (2) insert—

“(2A)

An Affordable Warmth grant may be made by the Department or its administering agency for one or more of the following purposes—

(a)

to provide a mains gas, oil or biomass heating system where none exists;

(b)

to replace a boiler system where the conditions set out in regulation 4(2D) are met;

(c)

to convert a liquid petroleum gas or solid fuel heating system to a mains gas, oil or biomass heating system;

(d)

to convert an Economy 7 heating system to mains gas or oil heating system, or to a high energy efficiency storage system;

(e)

to provide or replace ineffective insulation to any water heating system or to provide any part of such a system with insulation incorporated in it;

(f)

to provide, where there is no draught proofing to external doors and or windows, or remove and replace where it is ineffective;

(g)

to replace defective radiators in an ineffective heating system;

(h)

to install thermostatic radiator valves to an existing heating system;

(i)

to replace exterior window frames which are ineffective and beyond repair;

(j)

to facilitate the removal of asbestos from the dwelling;

(k)

to provide insulation in homes of solid wall construction.

(2B)

A grant shall not be payable under regulation 4(2A) unless the works are recommended as a result of a technical inspection.

(2C)

Where an affordable warmth survey is completed, the householder shall also be provided with energy advice and offered a benefit entitlement check.

(2D)

Subject to regulation 4(2A)(b) a replacement boiler may be provided where the following conditions are met—

(a)

the householder or their spouse/partner is aged 65 or older; or

(b)

the householder or their spouse/partner have a dependent child or children aged under 16 years and for whom they receive child benefit; or

(c)

a member of the household is in receipt of disability living allowance under section 71 of the 1992 Act or personal independence payment under Part 5 of the Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015^f1; and

(d)

the existing boiler is at least 15 years old.”.