Energy inefficient homes in west Cheshire could benefit from Green Homes Grant

1 December 2021

Households across west Cheshire could benefit from funding to provide energy efficient measures for their homes this winter.

Eligible residents are invited to apply to Cheshire West and Chester Council's Green Homes Grant scheme which can be used to install energy efficient measures such as wall, loft and under-floor insulation, and low carbon heating such as air source heat pumps and solar panels.

To apply residents must meet both of the criteria below.

• Have an annual combined household income of £30,000 (gross) or less, this includes households in receipt of qualifying welfare benefits.
• Live in a property that is classed as inefficient with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F or G .

Residents can apply online at: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/greenhomegrant. Alternatively, call: 0300 123 8123.

Councillor Matt Bryan, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Climate Emergency, said: "The Green Homes Grant provides an opportunity for households struggling to afford to heat their home and with low energy performance ratings to make improvements to their homes. For some people, this will be a real lifeline this winter, helping to reduce their bills and providing them with a warm home, helping keep them safe and healthy.

"The additional benefit is that these improvements will also lower households' carbon emissions, something that contributes to the climate crisis. In west Cheshire, we are aiming to be carbon neutral by 2045 and taking measures to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the borough will play a major part in achieving this."

All measures offered to homeowners will be fully funded with no contribution required from residents, and installed by Council-appointed contractors.

Private rental properties with an eligible tenant are also able to apply for the grant scheme. There is no cost to the tenant for any energy efficiency measures installed, but the landlord is required to contribute one third of the costs, with two thirds (to a maximum of £5,000), being provided by the grant.

Funding has been secured by the Council from the Government's Green Homes Grant scheme, which aims to improve the energy efficiency of some of the country's least efficient homes, helping to reduce costly energy bills, whilst also lowering energy use and the carbon emissions of households.