The government has launched a £1bn insulation scheme it says will target those most in need of energy efficiency support to lower the cost of home heating.
Dubbed the Great British Insulation Scheme, the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) claims the programme of insulation measures will save over 300,000 households hundreds of pounds a year.
Families in lower council tax bands with less energy-efficient homes will be offered “vital” upgrades – such as roof, loft or cavity wall insulation – which the government says could cut their annual energy bill by an average of between £300 to £400.
It’s claimed the scheme will boost help for those on the lowest incomes, as well as extend support to a wider range of households compared to other existing government-funded schemes.
Those eligible for support under the Great British Insulation Scheme include families in council tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales, with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below.
Energy security secretary, Claire Coutinho, said: “We are determined to help families keep their homes warm through the winter months and save on their energy costs.
“Our Great British Insulation Scheme will help hundreds of thousands of people, including some of the most vulnerable in society, get the upgrades their homes need, while cutting their energy bills.”
The 300,000 targeted for insulation measures under this new scheme come on top of the 2.4m homes the department says have so far received support under existing support schemes.
Mike Thornton, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, welcome this latest scheme.
“Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a vital part of addressing both the energy crisis and climate emergency,” he said.
“By reducing demand for fossil fuels it provides a triple win long-term solution for cutting energy bills, decreasing carbon emissions and improving energy security.
“The launch of the Great British Insulation Scheme is therefore a welcome development as it will mean more households are eligible for financial support for insulation measures and comes at a crucial time as we approach the colder winter months.”
Image credit: J Duggan/Shutterstock
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