The  Council has been awarded the money through the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.   

The grant funding will target 665 predominantly street properties, in the borough, that currently have an energy performance rating of C or lower. Measures in homes will vary from property to property and improvements could include windows replacements, cavity wall insulation, ventilation upgrades and more.   
   

Cllr Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said:     

“The cost of living crisis has heavily affected our residents and we are working to help local people in every way we can. Thanks to this funding, which equates to £31,500 into decarbonising each of the 665 homes, we can improve the lives of our tenants living in our older properties by making their homes warmer and saving them money on their bills too."    

Cllr Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said:    

“As a council it is our responsibility to play an active role in tackling the climate crisis and improving environmental sustainability. People’s homes are the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in our borough so not only will this funding help our residents with their bills, but it will cut emissions too - helping us reach our commitment to becoming Carbon Neutral by 2030." 

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:    

“This investment will help thousands of households to heat their homes for less, keep them warm for longer and could save hundreds on their annual energy bill.    

“The green energy sector is growing, and this funding will support green jobs and provide the training needed to deliver these vital upgrades to homes.”    

The Government has committed £1.4 billion to help local authorities and housing providers improve the energy efficiency of homes through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Home Upgrade Grant, and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.    

Homes will be assessed this year with improvements starting in 2024 and completed by September 2025.     

Notes to editors     

The funds represent part of Government’s wider plan to deliver energy efficient homes and reduce carbon emissions, which currently aims to reduce emissions by 15% by 2030.