A NEW scheme to help improve the energy efficiency of homes throughout borough has received significant funding from the government.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, in partnership with Cheshire East Council, have secured £6.2m from the Department of Energy, Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) Home Upgrade Grant scheme (HUG).

The scheme is designed to upgrade the energy efficiency of homes not currently using a gas central heating system. The Council say improvements made through the funding will help to tackle fuel poverty, reduce energy bills, lower carbon emissions and make homes, and their residents, more comfortable.

A wide range of energy efficiency home upgrades are available from the scheme which are fully funded for eligible households. The types of improvements that can be offered through the grant include wall, loft and underfloor insulation, air source heat pumps, solar panels, window and door replacements, energy efficient electric storage heaters and more.

The funding will be offered to residents on a first come, first served basis.

HUG grants are available to those:

  • Living in homes that are not heated by mains gas (typically homes heated by electric, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), oil or solid fuel)
  • Living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band D, E, F or G (a survey can be arranged if the rating is not known)
  • With a low household income of less than £36,000 per year (gross)
  • Who are in receipt of qualifying benefits, including for example, Universal Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee, Council Tax Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Tax Credits.

Both homeowners and private tenants can apply.  Tenants must have the landlord’s permission.  Landlords are required to pay one-third contribution towards the cost – offering landlords a cost-effective way of improving the energy efficiency of their rental properties.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The effects of living in a cold home and being in fuel poverty are well known to impact both physical and mental health.  With pressures on household income still high, being able to offer HUG funding to low-income households across our borough is a key priority to reduce the impact on the environment, and energy bills, to create stronger communities.

“Making homes more energy efficient is one of the simplest ways to tackle fuel poverty, and we encourage all those who are eligible to step forward and apply.”

Applications can be made online at: Council schemes | Cheshire West and Chester Council.

To request a paper copy please call the Council’s Contact Centre on 0300 123 8123 and ask for a Home Upgrade Grant application form from the Climate Change Team.