Landlords, private tenants and owner occupiers in Warwick are encouraged by their council to apply for funding to improve energy efficiency through the Green Homes Grants scheme.

Funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and delivered by E.ON with support from Act On Energy, the scheme aims to help improve the energy efficiency of low income private households with free improvements to their home including solar PV panels, insulation and air source heat pumps.

Over 60 properties in the Warwick area have already progressed with the scheme, with many more looking to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their bills.

To be eligible, residents must:

– privately rent, or own, within the Warwick council district;

– have a gross household income of less than £30,000 per year OR someone in the home receives a means tested benefit;

– have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.

Funding for owner occupiers is provided up to a maximum of £10,000 per property subject to the terms and conditions of the grant, with the work carried out by a Trustmark registered contractor.

Private tenants whose income meets the eligibility criteria are also encouraged to apply with the support and involvement of their landlord. 

Tenants are advised to speak to their landlords first to ascertain the energy performance rating of the property, to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria. If landlords are unsure of the energy performance rating, the tenants are still encouraged to apply.

There is no cost to the tenant, with landlords required to contribute a third of the cost with a maximum grant of £5,000 per property.

Landlords will benefit from the scheme by having a more energy efficient property, which will help meet future minimum EPC rating requirements. Their tenants should also benefit financially and will be less likely to struggle with paying rent and utilities during the current cost of living crisis.

A council spokesperson says: “We recognise the importance of improving the energy efficiency of people’s homes not only for the climate, but also for the difference it makes to energy bills. 

“Now has never been a more important time to do this, so I would encourage everyone eligible to get in touch and see what improvements can be made to your home to make it warm and affordable.

“The private rented sector often has properties that are energy inefficient, so I’m pleased that this scheme has now also been opened up for landlords and tenants to apply.”