Local authorities and housing associations across England will have the chance to secure a share of £160m to enhance the energy efficiency of social homes
Through this first wave of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, up to 38,000 of the UK’s worst energy-performing social homes will have the chance to receive vital energy efficiency upgrades, including installation of insulation and more energy efficient doors, windows and heating systems.
This investment will help tenants save around £170 per year on energy bills, while making their homes warmer and reducing carbon emissions.
‘Eradicating UK fuel poverty’
Minister for business, energy and corporate responsibility, Lord Callanan, said: “Today’s announcement is a vital step forward in eradicating UK fuel poverty and improving the lives and homes of low-income households, all while creating new work for local plumbers, builders and tradespeople who will be building homes fit for our greener future.
“With a real appetite among councils and housing associations to make their homes cheaper to heat and warmer to live in, this investment is putting the power in the hands of the people who know their communities best, allowing the right decisions to be made for each home they manage while ensuring the very best for their tenants and the environment.”
Councillor Samantha Hoy, Fenland District Council’s cabinet member for housing, commented: “We are extremely proud to be playing a part in this fantastic project, working alongside our partners Clarion and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to help improve the energy efficiency of social homes and to pilot new and innovative ways of working.
“It’s really exciting that the first property in Fenland has now been completed and we can’t wait to see work start on the other homes across the district.
“The retrofit measures, including solar panels and insulation, will cut carbon emissions and give residents more money in their pockets from cheaper energy bills.
“Local businesses are also considering how they can take advantage of this opportunity to diversify the sector and convert at scale to help meet the national targets for energy efficiency.”
This announcement is the latest step in the government’s plan to reduce emissions from social homes, a priority area for the government to help eradicate fuel poverty and reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
