More than 40,000 households could be eligible to claim a one-off £50 council tax rebate under a new Oxford City Council initiative.

To fit the bill homeowners must be willing to insulate their roofs and wall cavities through the Oxford City Council scheme that is being run in partnership with British Gas.

Under the scheme, insulating your roof will cost £270 with cavity wall insulation costing a further £275.

John Goddard, leader of Oxford City Council, said: "The great thing about this scheme is that it helps the environment and it helps tackle the issue of fuel poverty."

There are 44,000 owner occupied and privately rented dwellings that can take advantage of the offer.

Green Party councillor Craig Simmonsok has also thrown his support behind the initiative to improve the city's carbon footprint.

He said: "It's also important for people to know that anyone over the age of 60 is eligible for free insulation and next year anyone with children under five will also get it free."

Those who cannot afford to implement the scheme themselves may be able to qualify for a grant from Oxford City Council, which has £85,000 set aside to aid those on low incomes.

However, people who have already taken measures to make their homes energy efficient will not be able to claim the £50 council tax rebate.

For more information on this, contact Oxford City Council on 01865 252197.