What is the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is a government-funded initiative administered by Local Authorities as part of the Warm Homes Plan’s objectives. This scheme provides financial support for energy efficiency improvements and low-carbon heating solutions, specifically targeting low-income households residing in some of the least energy-efficient privately owned homes in England. Its primary goal is to help reduce energy costs while contributing to lower carbon emissions.
The grant is available to households regardless of their fuel type, encompassing both on-gas properties (connected to the mains gas network) and off-gas properties (reliant on electricity, oil, coal, or liquid petroleum gas for heating).
What Energy Upgrades Are Available Under Warm Homes: Local Grant?
Under the Warm Homes: Local Grant, households can access various energy upgrades aimed at improving efficiency, reducing energy bills, and lowering carbon footprints. These upgrades include:
Energy Efficiency Measures
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Flat Roof Insulation
- Internal Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Park Home Insulation
- Room-in-roof Insulation
- Solid/External Wall Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation
- Heating Controls
- Hot Water Cylinder Insulation
- Hot Water Cylinder Thermostat
- Hot Water Cylinder/Tank
- Low Energy Lighting
- Solar PV (Photovoltaic Systems)
- Solar Thermal
- Battery Storage (only eligible with Solar PV)
- Digital/Smart Controls
- Draught Proofing
- Double/Triple Glazing
- Energy-Efficient Doors
Low-Carbon Heating Solutions
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Ground Source Heat Pump
- Hybrid Heat Pumps (for mains gas-heated homes)
- Shared Ground Loops
- Wet Central Heating (water-based heating system)
- Biomass Heating
- High Retention Storage Heaters
What is the Available Funding?
The Warm Homes: Local Grants programme offers generous funding to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in properties. Property owners can access up to £15,000 per property for energy performance upgrades, such as insulation and double glazing.
Additionally, an extra £15,000 per property is available for low-carbon heating installations, including heat pumps and solar water heating systems. These grants aim to reduce energy consumption, lower bills, and promote greener living.
Importantly, tenants will not be required to contribute to the costs of these upgrades, ensuring affordability and accessibility. This funding supports creating warmer, more sustainable homes while combating energy inefficiency.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for a Property?
To qualify for the grant, properties must meet specific criteria:
- Location: The property must be situated in England.
- Ownership and Type: Only privately-owned properties are eligible, including those that are owner-occupied or part of the private rented sector. Park homes may also qualify, provided they meet additional conditions.
- Energy Efficiency: Properties must hold an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G, reflecting lower energy efficiency levels.
- Fuel Inclusivity: Homes using any type of fuel are eligible, whether connected to the gas grid or relying on alternative energy sources.
Eligibility Criteria for Households and Landlords
Household Requirements
To qualify for the grant, households must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Low-Income Status: Households classified as low-income are eligible.
- Means-Tested Benefits: Families receiving specific means-tested benefits may apply.
- Income Thresholds: Gross household income must be below £36,000 per year, or £20,000 or less after housing costs.
- Postcode Eligibility: Households located in postcodes that automatically qualify under grant guidelines are also eligible.
This ensures that the program targets those most in need, addressing energy efficiency in homes where financial constraints may otherwise prevent upgrades.
Landlord Requirements
Private landlords can also benefit from the grant but must adhere to certain conditions:
- First Property Coverage: Full funding is available for the first property a landlord applies for.
- Cost-Sharing for Additional Properties: For subsequent properties, landlords are required to contribute 50% of the total upgrade cost.
- Subsidy Limits: Total subsidies received by a landlord across all properties, including previous grants or funding, must not exceed £315,000.
- Property Data Disclosure: Landlords must agree to share details of the upgraded properties on a central database as part of the grant conditions.
This balanced approach ensures landlords are supported in upgrading their properties while maintaining accountability and equitable distribution of funds. By targeting both households and landlords, the grant program promotes energy efficiency across a wide range of housing types and ownership structures.
Do I Need to Pay Anything?
For most eligible households, the Warm Homes: Local Grants scheme provides 100% funding for energy efficiency improvements and low-carbon heating installations. This means that, in most cases, no payments are required, making the scheme fully accessible to those in need.
However, households may need to contribute a small portion of the costs under specific circumstances. For example:
- If the household’s income is slightly above the eligibility threshold but still within a qualifying range.
- If the property requires upgrades beyond the scope of the grant funding.
Any required contributions will be clearly outlined during the application process to ensure transparency.
When Will the Grant be Available?
The expression of interest (EOI) window for local authorities closed in December 2024. The scheme will be accessible to the general public through local councils starting in April 2025. This initiative aims to help households and landlords improve energy efficiency and adopt low-carbon heating solutions.
To benefit from this funding, you can contact your local council for details on eligibility and application processes.
For assistance with installation and upgrades, ZOA Energy offers expert support, ensuring you maximise the grant benefits provided by your council. Don’t miss the opportunity to create a warmer, more sustainable home while reducing energy costs through this transformative funding program.