With the winter months fast approaching and announcement that the energy price cap is set to rise again, how to keep your home warm this winter and the costs are an issue faced by many households across Cumbria.
But some support and help in reducing energy costs and making your home warmer could be available after Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland council have been awarded £11.8 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to make fuel-poor homes more energy efficient.
Funded by the UK Government’s Warm Homes Local Grant, the three-year programme will benefit up to 800 homes across Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness by providing fully funded upgrades to improve energy efficiency and help cut household bills.
Works will be tailored to each household and focused on delivering energy efficiency measures such as loft insulation and solar PV. Other measures may also be installed, including more expensive options such as air source heat pumps, although these will be delivered in smaller numbers due to higher costs.
Eligible households are those with an energy efficiency rating of D to G, and either a total annual household income below £36,000 or a resident receiving a means-tested benefit.
Two companies have been appointed to deliver the work; Next Energy Solutions Ltd. in the Cumberland Council area and Procast Building Contractors Ltd. in the Westmorland and Furness Council area.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “For many households, the cost of heating is a real worry, especially during the colder months, and this funding will help make a genuine difference. By improving insulation, upgrading heating systems and making homes more energy efficient, we can help people feel warmer, healthier and more comfortable while also protecting the environment.
“We want to ensure that as many eligible residents as possible come forward to benefit from this scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to help local residents improve their homes, reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions so I encourage anyone who thinks they might qualify to get in touch with their council and find out what support is available.”
Eligible households can contact the council to find out what support is available to make their home warmer and cheaper to heat.
To find out if your property is eligible and register your interest contact:
Westmorland and Furness Council
Email: better.homes@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 373 3300