Winchester City Council has been successful as part of a consortium of local authorities in securing funding from the government’s Sustainable Warmth funding competition. The funding will support the implementation of measures to improve the energy efficiency of homes within the Winchester district.
The scheme will help residents reduce their energy bills and carbon footprints using funding that will help tackle fuel poverty and contribute towards meeting the UK’s target to become net zero by 2050.
Funding under the Warmer Homes programme, delivered by AgilityEco, is available until March 2023 for the following energy efficiency measures:
- Insulation
- Solar PV panels
- Air source heat pumps
Homes with a mains gas supply could be eligible for funding up to £10,000, and those that don’t could receive up to £25,000.
You may qualify for the grants if you meet the following criteria:
- Your home has an EPC rating of E, F or G (limited funding is available for EPC D rated properties).
And either:
- You have a total household annual income of £30,000 or less (before housing costs/bills)
Or:
- You receive a means-tested benefit or you meet the eligibility criteria specified in your local authority’s ECO flexible eligibility ‘statement of intent’.
Cllr Kelsie Learney, Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, said:
“We are thrilled to be working with AgilityEco and other local authorities across the country to provide financial support to make homes more energy efficient.
“It’s more essential than ever that those on low income have the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprints and energy bills. The Warmer Homes scheme offers energy efficiency measures to qualifying households with grants of up to £25,000.
“Domestic housing is a big contributor to our carbon emissions in the Winchester district and I am really keen that we encourage a high take-up of the support being offered.”
Cllr Paula Ferguson, the city council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Housing, added:
“We’re delighted to be working with AgilityEco on this programme of targeted support for our vulnerable residents at a time when we know many people are worried about the cost of living crisis and especially the cost of energy.
“The grants available will make homes warmer, more sustainable, and they will help to ease the pressure from energy bills. I would urge anyone wishing to apply to do so as soon as possible as the grants will be given out on a first come, first served basis.”
This programme is available to homeowners and private rental tenants only. Tenants who are renting the property they live in will need permission from their landlords before funding can be approved.
Funding is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be made online here: www.warmerhomes.org.uk/ or by calling 0800 038 5737.
