HOUSEHOLDS in Prestwich and Whitefield can apply for up to £7,000 to help slash the cost of energy bills.

Under the new Little Bill campaign, Bury Council is working with Greater Manchester Energy Advice and Keepmoat Regeneration to help people save money and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The campaign’s mascot Little Bill, a sausage dog draught excluder, will soon begin appearing across the borough on posters and leaflets, encouraging households to apply for up to £7,000 towards the cost of buying and installing a variety of energy efficiency measures in their homes.

Under the deal, residents can claim back up to 75 per cent of the total cost of internal or external solid wall insulation, to a maximum of £6,000.

In addition, up to £1,000 could be claimed by people who install two or more measures from a prescribed list of energy efficiency measures, such as boilers, standard insulation and double glazing.

Cllr Rishi Shori, deputy leader of Bury Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for residents to lower their energy bills.”

Also, Bury Council and Greater Manchester Energy Advice are inviting residents who have installed energy-saving measures to open up their houses as show homes.

In return, selected households will be offered up to £12,000 towards the costs of their energy-efficient home improvements.

Successful applicants will open their doors to the public on seven set days over a two-year period. Three households, one each from the Prestwich, Ramsbottom, and Tottington areas, will benefit from this scheme.

To register an interest in becoming a show home: call Greater Manchester Energy Advice on 0800 009 3363.

Homeowners or private tenants can apply for the Little Bill offer by visiting gmenergyadvice.co.uk or calling 0800 009 3363.