Households on a low income, living in the least energy efficient homes can now apply for a grant to help keep their homes warm.
£10m has been awarded to four local authorities in Lincolnshire to help people carry out home improvements that will reduce energy bills and improve quality of life.
People living in West Lindsey, City of Lincoln, South Kesteven and North Kesteven districts, can apply for funding through the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2). The scheme which is led by the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero awarded the funding to the local authorities.
It is aimed at helping homeowners make cost-saving improvements to their properties and can be used to help cover the cost of a wide range of retrofit measures, including roof, cavity and external wall insulation, plus low-carbon heating solutions, such as ground and air source heat pumps.
Cllr Stephen Bunney, chair of the council’s, Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change working group, has welcomed the funding. He said:
“As we head into autumn, many residents will start to think about how they are going to heat their homes, which is a real concern for many people. These grants are aimed at supporting those in our communities who are on low incomes to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and look at alternative, low carbon heating systems.
“I would urge residents in West Lindsey to look into this scheme because not only will it help improve the quality of life and take the worry out of colder days and nights, but it’s a small step – that can make a big impact on the wider environment and climate.”
Local authorities are working alongside energy experts Yorkshire Energy Services (YES) to delivery this incentive.
To be eligible to apply for the grant you must meet the following criteria:
- have a household income of less than £31,000 a year
- are off the gas grid (meaning the property isn’t connect and does not have access to a mains gas supply)
- have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G
Depending on the property’s EPC rating, homeowners could apply for anything from £8,000 to £38,000 to make the upgrades needed for their homes.
Veronica Edwards, Senior Homes, Health and Wellbeing Officer, at West Lindsey District Council, said:
“I’m thrilled we can continue to offer HUG funding for residents of West Lindsey to install energy reducing measures in their homes, assisting in tackling fuel poverty in the district.
“Such initiatives support the council’s Housing Strategy, and Environment and Sustainability Strategy, by assisting residents to improve the energy efficiency ratings in their homes.”
To apply for a grant please contact YES via email at projects@yesenergysolutions.co.uk, or call them on 03309 126199
This summer the council launched its Small Steps – Big Impact campaign, which aims to encourage and support local people to take some simple, easy steps to improve our environment. To find out what more you can do visit our website for some top tips: Sustainability, Climate Change and Environment FAQs
West Lindsey District Council is committed to making a difference to the environment. It has purchased its first electric vans, replacing older diesel vehicles as part of its commitment, and has installed solar PV panels on its waste vehicles as it works towards becoming net zero by 2050