Telford & Wrekin Council has announced a partnership with support services provider Carillion to create the Telford Energy Savers (TES) programme.

The contract is valued at up to £30 million over the next eight years. Telford & Wrekin Council is the first neighbouring authority to follow the Birmingham Energy Savers framework with Carillion.

Linked to the Government's Green Deal, it will help households across Telford and Wrekin save money on their energy bills by making their homes more energy and carbon efficient. There are also proposals for a district heating scheme and solar farm.

The scheme will contribute significantly to the regional economy by creating jobs and providing work for local businesses.

In addition, an industry-first pre-apprenticeship programme from Carillion will provide young people in the region with training and work experience.

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The scheme will fund energy-saving measures such as insulation, heating and renewable options where possible, through the Green Deal scheme so that the costs are met over time through savings on energy bills.

There are also grants available and a Government "early bird" cash back of up to £1,020 per household.

Charles Smith, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for Housing, Development and Borough Towns, said: "The Telford Energy Savers programme will help our residents in Telford and Wrekin to stay warm for less. Everyone can benefit from energy saving improvements - and their energy bills will fall.

"For me, the most exciting part of this partnership is the opportunity to boost the local economy through investing in energy-saving. Our local suppliers will have more business, they will recruit more people, and the green economy will support more jobs of all types."

Key Benefits of the Telford Energy Savers partnership are:

• It will stimulate growth in the local economy, creating new jobs directly and indirectly, and giving work experience opportunities for young people.

• Making people's homes warmer for lower cost will combat fuel poverty and give people more disposable income.

• Residents can phone for a FREE no-obligation energy assessment of their property: other companies charge for this service.

• Carillion will ensure that residents benefit from appropriate grants and funds; if someone takes out a Green Deal plan they can currently claim cashback from the government, e.g. £270 towards a new boiler. Cashback can be worth up to £1,020.

• It's a high-quality one-stop-shop: Telford Energy Savers conducts the assessments, advises on funding, and schedules the work to cause least disruption.

(CD/MH)