Peterborough’s council is trying to slash the number of people living in the city who struggle to pay their fuel bills by giving them free insulation.

The new “Heataborough” scheme to tackle fuel poverty will be launched at its Town Hall today. It is expected to help around 2,300 households access free energy efficiency improvements within two years.

It taps into an existing British Gas initiative called Affordable Warmth which offers free cavity wall and loft insulation, as well as boiler repairs and replacements, to residents who own their own home or rent privately but are in receipt of benefits or the state pension.

Councillor Nigel North, a member of Peterborough City Council said: “We believe that all Peterborough residents should have access to safe, cleaner and affordable energy… Not only will [the scheme] help reduce energy bills it will also reduce the city’s carbon footprint and help make Peterborough a healthier and greener place to live.”

Peterborough residents can find out if they are eligible by filling out an online form at www.heataborough.co.uk or call 0800 3164247.

Around 2.39 million households in England were ‘fuel poor’ in 2011 according to government figures released in August, when the Government revealed UK householders struggling with energy costs face a gap of £438 between their bill and what they can afford to pay.