AJH wrote:
I think I know the answer to this is to do nothing but...

The scene a 60s detached 3 bedroom house occupied by genteel, elderly,
active thinking but near housebound lady I have recently met,
previously heated by a redfyre back boiler, now broken with a melted
grate. I botched a repair with nickel arc rods but the internal
snip
At 80+ she will never see a return on the things I want to suggest,
like a small gas boiler (in the garage as she will not put up with any
noises) and replaced radiators, loft and cavity wall insulation.

Loft and cavity insulation may well be doable for free, or a token
payment, from various schemes.
This can pay back very fast - even if not subsidised, especially if
heating with electricity.
Maybe even this winter, if it's subsidised somewhat.

And AIUI most of the 'capped price' schemes are _not_ applicable if
you're keeping the place warm with electricity, low users only.

Owain wrote:
Ian Stirling wrote:
The scene a 60s detached 3 bedroom house occupied by genteel, elderly,
active thinking but near housebound lady I have recently met,
previously heated by a redfyre back boiler, now broken with a melted
grate.
At 80+
Loft and cavity insulation may well be doable for free, or a token
payment, from various schemes.

Just remembered that in Scotland there's been a scheme for providing new
heating systems for people without - my gasfitter got one (not /quite/
sure how...).

Citizens' Advice Bureaux or the local Council and MP may be able to help.

Google 'warm front'.