More help to improve energy efficiency

Social housing tenants across England will have their energy bills cut and homes made warmer as the Government makes £179m available to improve energy efficiency.

The funding will see 20,000 social housing properties with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or lower receive upgrades to improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This includes fitting external wall and roof insulation, energy efficient doors and windows, heat pumps and solar panels.

Upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of March 2023, supporting thousands of lower income and more vulnerable households.

The cash boost forms part of the Government’s £3.8bn Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund which will bring some of the social housing stock currently below EPC C up to a higher standard.

It has already supported

2,100 households through a demonstrator scheme, delivering warmer homes, reducing fuel bills, tackling fuel poverty and supporting green jobs.

Minister for Business and Energy, Lord Callanan, said:

“The £3.8bn we’re investing through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund is helping drive down energy bills for thousands, targeting help to those who need it most by making their homes warmer, more comfortable and greener.”

National Housing Federation chief executive Kate Henderson said: “We warmly welcome the announcement of the first Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund recipients. Alongside helping us to achieve our crucial net zero target, this will mean warmer, more comfortable homes for residents, and importantly help to protect them from rising energy bills. We are committed to working with government to upgrade social housing.”