BRITISH Gas has teamed up with the borough council to offer households a £50 Council Tax rebate if they install cavity wall insulation.

All owner-occupiers have to do to benefit is to arrange for cavity wall insulation to be put in by a British Gas-appointed installer. Insulation can save people more than £100 on their yearly heating bill.

Under the scheme, the installation of cavity wall insulation will cost £250 for most properties, with larger four-bedroom detached houses costing only £275. Residents don't have to be British Gas customers to benefit.

Paul Ince, borough housing strategy unit manager, said: 'The cost has been subsidised by British Gas. Our aim is to help people make their homes warmer and more comfortable, while saving money on their fuel bills and helping to minimise carbon emissions, which are damaging to the environment.'

Linda Dixon, senior business development manager for British Gas, said: 'This scheme will provide customers with thermal comfort and £50 off their bill.'

* For details of the scheme, call British Gas on 0845 9717731 and quote reference EPN. For general advice, call the council's energy team on 0151 356 6484.