17 Feb 2022
Leeds City Council has expanded the support available to help low-income households in some of the city’s coldest homes stay warm for less.
Eligible residents in Leeds can now apply for high-quality insulation to their attic room free of charge to prevent heat from escaping. It is estimated that 25% of the heat lost from a typical home is through an uninsulated roof.
Residents now have until March 31 to apply for the green upgrades after the popular scheme was extended to give more homeowners time to sign up.
The popular energy efficiency scheme, delivered in partnership with Better Homes Yorkshire, was previously scheduled to end in March. The deadline extension means that work can now be completed up until the end of June.
Almost 285 Leeds homes have already benefited from upgrades with some opting to install free solar panels.
High demand means that funding has now been fully allocated for homes with a ‘D’ EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating and will now be prioritised for the district’s coldest homes (those with a ‘E’, ‘F’ or ‘G’ rating). However, should new funding for ‘D’ rated properties become available, Better Homes Yorkshire will notify homeowners that have previously left their details.
Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply even if they do not know their current EPC rating as this will be checked and confirmed by Better Homes Yorkshire.
To qualify, homeowners must have a combined household income of £30,000 per year or be in receipt of certain benefits. Property value or savings accounts held are not considered when assessing eligibility for the scheme.
Landlords can also apply for heavily subsidised installation of the same measures if their property’s tenants collectively earn under £30,000.
By installing energy efficiency measures, homeowners will contribute to Leeds City Council’s ambition to reduce Leeds’ direct carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030. Having attic room insulation could save 75 tonnes of carbon per property over a building’s lifetime.
The work is being carried out thanks to the Government’s Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme which combines several energy efficiency improvements including insulation.
To find out more about the scheme and how to apply residents should go to www.betterhomesyorkshire.co.uk/leeds or call Better Homes Yorkshire on 0800 597 1500.
Denis Cryer, a resident who has installed free solar panels thanks to the scheme said:
“The installation of the panels was great. Work was completed on time and the staff were very polite. It has not cost us a penny and I cannot fault the process. It is a concern to see bills rising but fortunately, this scheme has given me an opportunity to do something about it!”
Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:
“With Leeds households facing rising energy costs, it has never been more important to help residents save energy and stay warm for less. I hope these changes to this fantastic scheme will mean that more families are able to benefit.
“I strongly encourage residents to call Better Homes Yorkshire if they think they might qualify. You have nothing to lose by doing so and I want to see as many residents benefit from this offer as possible.
“As well as helping households save money and stay warm, these upgrades will help cut carbon and make homes fit for a more sustainable future—yet another reminder of the immediate benefits that result from our efforts to tackle climate change.”
