The new funding is intended to bring energy efficiency upgrades to 170,000 homes in England, lowering bills and improving efficiency
A boost of £1.8bn has been given for Warm Homes Plan funding and is being given to local authorities and social housing providers.
The boost will allow easier upgrading and more efficient homes in England.
The Warm Homes Plan funding boost is aimed at low-income households
The primary recipients of the benefits will be low-income households and social housing tenants, meaning thousands of families are eligible for energy upgrades such as heating upgrades, insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps. The funding will be distributed through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, and the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund.
The Warm Homes Grant was originally announced in September last year, with the aim to bring all social housing to an EPC energy rating of C at minimum, increasing energy efficiency, and consequently raising living standards and disposable income, while lowering dependence on imported fuels.
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.”
217 projects across England will receive funding
144 projects will receive up to £1.29bn via the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, and 73 across 270 local authorities projects are set to receive £500m through the Warm Homes: Local Grant over the next three years.
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.”
Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), said: “We welcome this investment as another important step towards making homes warmer, healthier, and more affordable to run.
“Social landlords have worked hard to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and this funding will help them to continue that work — supporting retrofit programmes that will reduce fuel poverty, lower carbon emissions, and bring down energy bills for tenants.
“CIH will continue to work with government and our members to support the effective rollout of this funding and advocate for the long-term investment needed to make all homes warmer and safer.”
Full details of the funding can be found here.
