Warm Homes Local Grant Scheme
News release issued:
A new scheme to help low-income homes reduce energy bills and carbon omissions looks set to be available in the district from next April.
Wyre Forest District Council has applied for funding from the government’s Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG). The grants would be for people living in private sector homes and would include the installation of insulation, solar panels and low carbon heating. Households would be means tested and their property have a low Energy Performance Certificate rating to apply.
At its meeting on Wednesday 18 December, the authority’s Cabinet will be discussing the appointment of a contractor. Approval is being sought for the procurement of a principal contractor through the Community Homes Investment Consortium (CHIC), a framework designed for delivering retrofit projects like the WHLG. The procurement process is expected to start in January 2025, with the contractor appointed by March 2025 in preparation for the scheme’s launch on April 1, 2025.
Councillor Chris Rogers, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, Health and Wellbeing said:
“Through the WHLG, we aim to support low-income households by improving the thermal comfort of their homes, reducing their energy bills, and helping them move towards more sustainable living. This procurement is an important milestone in making sure we are ready to roll out these essential upgrades from day one.”
Wyre Forest District Council has applied for £3.85 million to fund the programme. If this amount is awarded it would be expected that it will help improve the energy efficiency of up to 308 homes up until 2028.
In line with government guidelines, up to £15,000 per property will be allocated for energy efficiency measures, with an additional £15,000 available for low-carbon heating solutions. The total amount of grant funding will be confirmed by February 2025.
The Council is expected to amend its capital programme to reflect the required funding for the WHLG, ensuring that up to £3.85 million is included for the financial years 2025-2030. The project will be fully funded through external grant income, and no additional impact is expected on the Council’s revenue expenditure.
The Cabinet meeting is taking place at 6pm on Wednesday 18 December. It can be watched on our website.