Warwick District Council secures ‘warm home’ grant to support local households

Warwick District Council have acquired £2.4 million through the government’s Warm Homes Plan in an attempt to save money on energy bills for local households.

The money, which comes from the national initiative, will be used to reduce energy bills, lessen fuel poverty, and improve energy efficiency in homes.

To achieve this, the initiative supports home upgrades such as insulation, solar panels, and low-carbon heating. The scheme is provided through local councils, who then provide the grants to their population.

Warwick District Council will be working in partnership with Act on Energy, a local charity that focuses on providing energy advice. Energy Efficiency Consultants and Broad Oak Group, who are retrofit specialists, will also be involved.

It is estimated that the grant will aid approximately 150 houses in the council area, through the installation of air source heat pumps, loft, cavity, and external wall insulation, smart heating controls, and solar photovoltaic panels.

We urgently need a proper warm homes plan that will save people money on their bills, lift millions of people across the country out of fuel poverty, insulate homes and so much more.

Matt Western

Only some are eligible for this grant: residents have to have a gross household income of £36,0000 or less per year, and live in a house with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.

In a district where an estimated 14.2% of residents struggle to pay for their gas and electric bills, this grant is set to make a significant difference to the community, especially with the recent rise of the cost-of-living crisis.

A warm home, especially in the winter, is an important factor in leading a healthy lifestyle. This is especially important for young children and the elderly, as cold temperatures can increase the risk of respiratory illness.

In previous years, many constituents and members of local authorities have felt let down by the lack of government action to address energy and fuel poverty, with the MP of Leamington Spa, Matt Western, leading the criticism.

He told the Leamington Observer: “We urgently need a proper warm homes plan that will save people money on their bills, lift millions of people across the country out of fuel poverty, insulate homes and so much more.”

It is hoped that this grant has the potential to mark a turning point for providing support to households in the area.