Wyre Forest District Council help make homes more efficient

Wyre Forest District Council said the government's sustainable warmth funding helped improve 47 homes in the area with insulation and solar panels among the energy-saving devices installed. 

To qualify for the grant, residents had to have a gross household income of less than £30,000 a year and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F or G. 

People who lived in privately rented properties could also apply for the funding but landlords were required to contribute one-third of the total costs. 

Councillor Marcus Hart, the leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to support so many households with the sustainable warmth funding.

"We wanted as many eligible homes as possible to benefit from these improvements and enjoy warm, affordable living conditions.

"As a council, we want to play our part in delivering our net zero goals and will continue to bid for funding that supports these aims."

Energy advice charity Act on Energy and installer Broad Oak Properties Ltd helped the council to deliver the scheme with one Kidderminster resident awarded a £13,170 grant. 

This funded cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and solar panels for their home.

The council said that in the first two months, they saved £80 on their electricity bills and added much more affordability to the property.

The council is currently delivering the government-funded Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme which aims to help residents in homes not heated by mains gas.

There are already 29 properties set to benefit and there is more funding available. To find out more and check eligibility for the scheme, residents can visit the council’s HUG webpage at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/HUGS2 

Details of current and upcoming grants will also be published in the council’s monthly newsletter, Wyredin. Residents can subscribe by visiting the council’s website at www.wyreforest.gov.uk.subscribe