PRS can grab a share of new insulation fund to save on fuel bills
Landlords and tenants could be in line for some extra funding towards energy efficient improvements following the launch of the Great British Insulation Scheme.
This promises to boost help for those on the lowest incomes as well as extend support to a wider range of households compared to existing government-funded schemes. Those eligible for support include families in council tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales, with an EPC rating of D or below.
Cavity wall
The £1 billion scheme is set to help more than 300,000 people save money on their energy bills for installing measures including cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation. Along with homeowners, landlords and tenants are being encouraged to apply, with tenants asked to speak to their landlord first to get permission.
Support will run alongside the existing Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which offers free home energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation, heat pumps and solar panels to families on low incomes.
The offer is timely as the government has recently confirmed that it’s set to go ahead with the introduction of rules to raise properties in the PRS to an EPC band C by 2028.
Online tool
The online checker tool asks questions including how they heat their home, whether their home has solid or cavity walls, and if they are receiving any benefits. They will then be referred to their energy supplier for support and if eligible, it will arrange an assessment of the property. They can decide not to go ahead if they do not agree with the assessment or costs.
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, (pictured) says: “Boosting the energy efficiency of homes creates the best long-term protection against fuel poverty for the most vulnerable. That’s why we are helping families with extra support to make their homes warmer, while saving hundreds on energy costs.”