There’s been a significant upswing in interest about, and online searches for, information on the Warm Homes Local Grant.

The grant is available for properties in England with an EPC rating of D or below, and are privately-owned domestic buildings – either owner-occupied or privately rented.

An analysis by the Federation of Master Builders shows that searches for information about the grant have built significantly since the summer, ahead of what is billed as possibly a particularly bad winter.

The grant is a government scheme that provides funding for home improvements that can reduce energy use, cut household bills and improve the performance of the least energy-efficient privately owned homes across the country.

Possible measures include: Loft, wall and underfloor insulation; Draught-proofing; Double or triple glazing; Energy-efficient doors; Solar panel systems; Domestic battery storage; Smart controls; Solar thermal panels; Air source and other heat-pump technologies; and some electric heating improvements.

There are 3 main household eligibility routes:

Household income. If your household income is £36,000 a year or less and your property matches the other criteria above, you may be eligible;

Living at an eligible postcode. Even if your household income is above £36,000, you could still be eligible for the scheme provided you live in a “priority area”, meaning an area of deprivation, fuel poverty, or poor building conditions;

Receiving certain benefits. Whether or not you meet the income threshold, you may be eligible for the scheme if someone in your household is in receipt of certain means-tested benefits such as Income Support, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, housing benefits, and more.

Landlords or other homeowners can use the GOV.UK Warm Homes: Local Grant page to apply for the scheme and check their home’s eligibility. Each home will be assessed to establish which improvements are needed most.