Dozens of homes in the district will have permanently reduced fuel bills and more energy efficient homes thanks to a successful government funding bid by Warwick District Council.
A grant of over £2.5m has been awarded by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Home Upgrade Grant scheme to Warwick District Council to support households that are on a low income and considered ‘off-grid’, meaning they are reliant on alternative fuel sources such as bottled gas or oil to heat their homes.
The grant will pay for energy efficiency measures such as wall and roof insulation as well as new low-carbon heating systems, thermostats and room heating controls. The funding will be targeted at the least energy efficient properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D-G.
Councillor Jan Matecki, Cabinet member for Homes, Health and Wellbeing commented:
“Receipt of this funding is a tremendous boost in allowing us to continue our ambitious programme to improve the energy performance of the homes in our district.
“This Council was one of only 22 councils in the country to be granted this award, and I would like to thank the WDC Housing officers for their hard work in submitting this successful bid. They have now secured almost £7.3m of grants in total.”
“This will not only benefit residents by permanently reducing their fuel bills and making their homes warmer in winter, but also supports the Council’s ambition to combat climate change.”
Councillor Alan Rhead, Cabinet member for Climate Change, added:
“Carbon emissions from homes significantly contribute to our overall emissions in the district. This funding is a win-win, allowing us to help people out of fuel poverty and achieve our ambitious plans to become a low carbon area by 2030.”
The Council will launch the scheme in the next few months.
Warwick District Council has also produced a leaflet for residents, signposting to the government and local support packages available to households, as well as organisations that are able to offer advice and support during these difficult times.