Thousands of homes to get energy-saving upgrades

Under the Warm Homes Plan, up to 170,000 homes in England are to benefit from energy-efficiency upgrades.

£1.8 billion in government support has been allocated to local authorities and social housing providers, to support them to deliver warmer, more energy efficient homes in local communities across England.

The funding will be targeted at low-income households and tenants living in social housing, with thousands of families set to receive energy performance and clean heating upgrades in the form of insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.  

The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund will deliver up to £1.29 billion of funding to 144 projects across England with the Warm Homes: Local Grant allocating £500 million to 73 projects across 270 local authorities over the next three years.

Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: "Living in a warm, comfortable home should not be a luxury. It is a right that has been out of reach for too many people for too long.

"By giving this funding to local authorities and social housing providers we are delivering on our promise to improve the homes of thousands of people across England.

"As part of our Plan for Change, we are powering on with our Warm Homes Plan, upgrading cold and draughty homes so they are warmer, cleaner, and cheaper to live in."

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: "We welcome this funding allocation to help decarbonise England’s social homes; a crucial step towards the government’s commitment to tackle fuel poverty.

"With the fund oversubscribed, it is clear that there is both momentum and appetite among housing associations to upgrade their homes at scale and pace. The sector is working hard to ensure all their homes meet EPC C by 2030, in line with the government’s net zero target.

"Decarbonising our homes is a win win for residents, the government and our planet, creating warmer homes, saving residents money and tackling the climate emergency."