Cherwell residents and landlords could get £5k for green home improvements

Cherwell District Council is encouraging eligible homeowners to apply to the Green Homes Grant, a new Government scheme which will be going live at the end of September.

The vouchers that are on offer cover up to two thirds of the cost of home improvements such as heating controls, insulation, or double and triple glazing. Households in receipt of benefits may be able to receive up to £10,000, covering 100 per cent of the cost of the improvements. They could help people save up to £600 a year on energy bills.

Cllr John Donaldson, Cherwell's lead member for housing, said: “Green home improvements could not only help residents save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills; they will help people cut their carbon emissions too.

“But the financial outlay needed for things like heating controls and double glazing can be a barrier to many. That’s why we at the council welcome the Green Homes Grant: if, as expected, the scheme gets a strong take-up, then we would also expect it to create lots of work for local businesses and tradespeople too.

“However, for anyone wishing to benefit from this funding, time is of the essence: vouchers will only be valid between September 2020 and March 2021.”

To obtain a voucher, homeowners will need to make an online application detailing the energy efficiency measures they wish to carry out.

The Simple Energy Advice website is open for people to check their eligibility and find out what energy efficiency or low-carbon heat improvements can be made to their property.

It also allows them to find Trust Mark accredited tradespeople and businesses to obtain quotes, ready for when the voucher applications open.

Residents who believe they may fall into the low-income category or who are having difficulty paying fuel bills are invited to contact the council’s partner agency Better Housing Better Health. The agency offers advice on other grants, practical advice, and changing energy suppliers.

Cllr Donaldson added: “We would like to encourage anyone thinking of applying to use the Simple Energy Advice website to check their eligibility and find certified tradespeople to get estimates ready for when the online application is ready to go live. We would hate for anyone to miss out on this great opportunity.”

For further information about the Green Homes Grant, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme

Contact Better Housing Better Health on 0800 107 0044 or [email protected]Visit Simple Energy Advice at: www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk