New Forest District Council (NFDC) are advising residents they can apply for funding for the installation of measures to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
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. People who live in the district qualify for funding if their homes have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E, F, or G and they have a total household income of £30,000 or less, or they receive a means-tested benefit, or they meet the eligibility criteria specified in our ECO flexible eligibility statement of intent. Residents can find out their EPC rating by visiting https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. NFDC was successful as part of a consortium of local authorities in securing funding from the government’s Sustainable Warmth funding competition. The scheme will help residents reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint using funding that will help tackle fuel poverty. Cllr Jill Cleary, portfolio holder for housing and homelessness services, said: “As the cost-of-living increases, this new Warmer Homes grant will be of great help to all our eligible residents. And gives an opportunity to ensure we are working towards achieving the government’s climate aim of becoming net carbon zero by 2050.” Funding under the Warmer Homes programme, delivered by AgilityEco on behalf of the consortium, is available for energy efficiency measures such as insulation, solar PV panels and air source heat pumps. Funding is available on a first come first serve basis until March 2023 and is subject to eligibility and the EPC rating of each home. The Warmer Homes Consortium Grant is available to owner-occupiers and private rental tenants. Landlords of private rental tenants will be required to make a financial contribution. Residents can apply online at www.warmerhomes.org.uk/programme or call the Warmer Homes team on 0800 038 5737.