Council provides over £440K to make local homes more energy efficient
News release issued:
More than £440,000 in grant funding was given to residents by Wyre Forest District Council to help make their homes more energy efficient last year. It was made possible through the Government’s sustainable warmth funding.
The scheme, which is now closed, helped improve 47 homes. Insulation and solar panels were among the energy saving devices installed. Energy advice charity Act on Energy and installer Broad Oak Properties Ltd helped the council to deliver the scheme.
To qualify for the grant, residents had to have a gross household income of less than £30,000 year and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F or G. People who lived in privately rented properties could also apply for the funding, but landlords were required to contribute one third of the total costs of the measures.
One Kidderminster resident was awarded a grant of £13,170. This funded cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and solar panels for their home. In the first two months they saved £80 on their electricity bills and added much more affordability to the property.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said,
“We are thrilled to have been able to support so many households with the sustainable warmth funding. We wanted as many eligible homes as possible to benefit from these improvements and enjoy warm, affordable living conditions. As a council, we want to play our part in delivering our net zero goals and will continue to bid for funding that support these aims.”
The council is currently delivering the Government funded Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme which aims to help residents in homes not heated by mains gas. There are already 29 properties set to benefit and there is more funding available. To find out more and check eligibility for the scheme, residents can visit the council’s HUG webpage.
Details of current and upcoming grants will also be published in the council’s monthly newsletter, Wyredin. Residents can subscribe by visiting the council’s website.