Council’s Green Homes Grant scheme continues to invite applications
The Council has had a fantastic response to the Green Homes Grant scheme, which was open for applications from last month, and are encouraging more residents to apply whilst funding is still available.
The scheme offers a variety of energy efficient measures from wall, loft and under-floor insulation, to low-carbon heating such as air source heat pumps, solar panels, heating controls and replacement doors and windows. All of these measures will help reduce costly energy bills, whilst also lowering energy use and associated carbon emissions.
The funding does not cover fossil fuels and therefore the scheme is not able to offer new mains gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or oil heating systems. This is because the funding is aimed at supporting the move away from our reliance on fossil fuels, to more cleaner technologies.
To be considered for measures, you must meet both criteria below.
- Annual combined household income of £30,000 (gross) or less, includes households in receipt of qualifying welfare benefits
- Your property must be classed as inefficient and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F or G. (In addition, there is some limited funding available for EPC ‘D’ rated properties and we are encouraging applications from these properties as well.)
If you aren’t sure what your property’s EPC rating is, you can check using the Energy Performance Register. If your property does not have an EPC, and your household meets the income threshold, we can carry-out an assessment free of charge to see if your house is eligible.
Eligible households will have an initial survey carried out to identify which energy efficiency measures are most suited to their property.
The scheme will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and all measures offered are fully funded with no contribution required from residents.
Private rental properties with an eligible tenant are also able to apply. There is no cost to the tenant for any energy efficiency measures installed, but the landlord is required to contribute one third of the cost, with two thirds (to a maximum grant value of £5,000), being provided by the grant. For example, if the total cost of measures is £7,500, the landlord will be required to pay £2,500, with £5,000 available from the grant fund.
The quickest and easiest way to apply is on-line at: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/greenhomesgrant , alternatively residents can visit the following Council offices on the specified days and times:
- Ellesmere Port (Civic Way) each Tuesday between 9am – 2pm
- Winsford (Wyvern House) each Wednesday between 9am – 2pm
Residents visiting an office to apply will need to bring with them all evidence they need to prove their household’s annual income is below the £30,000 (gross) threshold. Evidence could include for example: three monthly pay slips, pension statements, benefit letters, or three monthly bank statements.
