Grants available to help residents heat homes and reduce energy bills
Communities12 July 2023
Residents living in private homes (both owned and rented) with a gross household income of less than £31,000 are being encouraged to apply for a government grant to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
ECO4 Flex is a government scheme, funded by energy companies, that supports households on lower incomes or those particularly vulnerable to the impacts of living in a cold home.
Funding is available for things that can improve the energy efficiency of your home, including insulation and heating systems.
Improving the energy performance of your property through different methods could save you hundreds of pounds in fuel bills each year. For example:
- Loft insulation - up to £500
- External wall insulation - up to £350
- Energy efficient boiler - up to £200
- Cavity wall insulation - up to £250
As well as households on a low income, residents who are more vulnerable to the cold are being encouraged to speak to their GP, who may be able to complete an NHS Eco Flex referral and you will not be required to undertake a means test.
We estimate there are approximately 3000 households eligible for ECO4 Flex funding across North Northamptonshire, which is why we are encouraging residents to come forward and apply.Cllr Mark Rowley, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Housing, Communities and Levelling Up
Households with a gross income, after deductions and mortgage or rent, of under £31,000 are eligible, as are households that do not meet the income threshold but have a household member with a health condition that makes them more susceptible to the cold. Simple changes like a new energy efficient boiler could save you up to £200 a year on fuel bills - something which is more important than ever, with heating bills at a high level.
This grant scheme is great news for residents, as the funds available can help assist eligible households to make home improvements which will make properties more energy efficient and help reduce energy costs.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council