A NEW SCHEME to help low-income homes reduce energy bills and carbon omissions will be available in Wyre Forest from next April.
Wyre Forest District Council has applied for funding from the government’s Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG), which is for people living in private sector home.
The scheme includes the installation of insulation, solar panels and low carbon heating for eligible households.
Applicants will be means testes and properties must have a low Energy Performance Certificate rating to apply.
On December 18, at a cabinet meeting, a contractor will be discussed and appointed.
Approval is being sought for the procurement of a principal contractor through the Community Homes Investment Consortium (CHIC), a framework designed for delivering retrofit projects like the WHLG.
The procurement process is expected to start in January 2025, with the contractor appointed by March 2025 in preparation for the scheme’s launch on April 1, 2025.
Councillor Chris Rogers, cabinet member with responsibility for housing, health and wellbeing said: “Through the WHLG, we aim to support low-income households by improving the thermal comfort of their homes, reducing their energy bills, and helping them move towards more sustainable living.
“This procurement is an important milestone in making sure we are ready to roll out these essential upgrades from day one.”
Wyre Forest District Council has applied for £3.85million to fund the programme and if this amount is awarded it would be expected that it will help improve the energy efficiency of up to 308 homes up until 2028.
In line with government guidelines, up to £15,000 per property will be allocated for energy efficiency measures, with an additional £15,000 available for low-carbon heating solutions.
The project will be funded through external grant income, and no additional impact is expected on the Council.
