Home Upgrade Grant launches to provide energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades to low-income households in England.

Home Upgrade Grant launches to provide energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades to low-income households in England.

The Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 is being delivered across the region through the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, together with other organisations such as Cambridge City Council, who are leading delivery in the Cambridgeshire region, and Portsmouth City Council who are delivering the scheme to residents in Peterborough.

The grant funds energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating systems in low-income households, targeting the most inefficient off-gas grid heated homes in England, to tackle fuel poverty and progress towards the UK’s 2050 Net Zero commitment.

Eligible households must either be situated in a pre-qualified postcode area (Indices of Multiple Deprivation Income Deciles 1-3) or have either a gross household income of no more than £31,000, or an equivalised income where cost of living is below £20,000 after rent or mortgage costs.

The home must also be heated by alternative fuels including electricity, oil, liquid propane gas, and solid fuels. The energy efficiency criteria will be determined by the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of the property and residents will be supported with this part of the eligibility process during application. Residents will be provided with a free EPC where they do not already have one.

Local installers in each region will guide customers through the application journey, helping them understand and establish eligibility for the scheme. If eligible, the installer will identify which improvements for the home will provide the greatest benefits and arrange any necessary surveys and installations.

The scheme allows funding per property to provide a range of energy and cost saving upgrades, depending on the specific circumstances such as the fuel source, energy efficiency and EPC rating of the home, with the most funding available for the least efficient homes heated by the most polluting fuel sources.

Combined Authority Mayor, Dr Nik Johnson, said: “Phase 2 of the Home Upgrade Grant is a key step towards improving England’s most energy inefficient homes. It aims to target low-income households helping them save money and reduce fuel poverty, whilst also cutting carbon and supporting the progress towards the UK’s 2050 Net Zero commitment. With fuel costs at an all-time high, the second phase of this scheme is an important chance for local residents to improve their homes, save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon emissions.”

Local Authorities will be contacting residents who they believe are likely to be eligible for the scheme. Further information will be available soon on your Local Authority website.