New initiative launched to help householders be warmer, greener and save on fuel bills this winter
Residents are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for a new scheme to improve the warmth of their homes, lower carbon emissions, and save money on fuel bills this winter.
Under the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme, delivered by Warmworks on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council and through funding from the UK Government, householders can apply to receive improvements to their home.
The scheme offers a wide range of insulation measures and renewable heating technologies which are designed to support homes to reduce their impact on the environment, including air source, ground source, and hybrid heat pumps.
The Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme is open to homeowners, private tenants and people in social rented accommodation, where the home has a low energy rating and a low annual income.
Cllr Peter Strachan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said:
“As we move into winter and start experiencing very cold weather in Buckinghamshire, we will be depending on our heating systems more. With rising energy bills and a focus on how we can all help the environment, the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme offers a way for people who are on a low income and finding it hard to heat their home benefit from vital home improvements that could see them being warmer, reduce their bills, and decrease their home’s impact on the environment.”
Cllr Nick Naylor, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Regulatory Services, added:
“We are delighted to work with Warmworks to ensure that more residents can have a warm and safe winter this year. Warmworks has a strong track record of delivering schemes that have helped more than 25,000 households across the UK to improve the heating in their homes, and be happier, healthier and more comfortable in them.
“I’d encourage everyone in Buckinghamshire to check if they are eligible to receive help from the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme.”
Buckinghamshire resident Debbie, who received improvements to her park home in an earlier phase of the grant scheme, said she would encourage everyone to apply for it if they are eligible.
Debbie said: “I had external wall insulation fitted, which wraps like a big glove round your home to keep the warmth in. Now I’m not using as much energy because I can turn my thermostat down, and also I don’t have to have my heating on for so long. It warms up very quickly and locks the heat in and seems to last for hours. With the gas prices going up as well it’s going to make a big difference to me.
“I know it is making a difference because this time last year my heating was on all day and it was up on a higher temperature, so I feel the difference already. I do feel the cold so I know already that it’s made a big difference.
“I’ve also noticed how much quieter the traffic is now as it has helped with soundproofing, and it has improved the look of the place too. It’s good quality material, it makes your home look lovely, all fresh and bright, you get to pick what colour you want, and you don’t have to pay a penny.
“I have told everybody about it, I wish more people would apply for it.
“If you’ve got to have your heating on during the winter, why not have something that’s going to lower the energy bills and keep you warmer for longer? It makes so much sense to do that.
“I am really, really grateful that I’ve got it, I can’t stress enough how brilliant it is and the difference it’s made.”
Residents who apply for the scheme and are eligible will be contacted by Warmworks to arrange a survey on their home in order to agree the work that will be carried out. An accredited and registered sub-contractor team then completes the installation of the agreed heating and energy-efficiency measures, before an independent inspection assesses the completed work against rigorous quality standards. Where required, Warmworks will also then arrange for a full annual service to be completed 12 months later.
Ross Armstrong, Warmworks Managing Director, said:
“On the back of the COP26 conference in Glasgow, I’m delighted that Warmworks is working in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council to deliver the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme.
“Not only do the funded energy efficiency measures that the scheme provides give local people an opportunity to reduce their carbon emissions and support the transition to Net Zero, but as the colder weather hits, one of the most important benefits we can offer through the scheme is to help people feel warmer, healthier and happier in their homes during these winter months.
“A few minutes to complete our short application could help your home stay warmer for years ahead.”
You can find out if you are eligible for the scheme by completing the short application form at https://www.warmworks.co.uk/greenhomesgrant/.