The two-year scheme, entitled Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), commences 1 April 2023 and is for low-income properties without gas central heating, with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G, or properties of a certain construction regardless of household income.
Grants are now available to help support the installation of insulation and renewable heating technologies, such as air source heat pumps or solar thermal panels. Grants are based on averages, but the average is expected to be around £18,800 per property.
A number of Local Authorities across the country have been awarded funding through HUG2, however the Lancashire consortium received one of the biggest pay outs.
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Spanning 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025, properties eligible for HUG2 are:
• Low-income households (less than £31,000 per annum)
• Properties of a certain construction, regardless of household income
• Not heated by gas central heating - properties heated by electric, gas fires/wall heaters, oil or LPG will qualify
• Energy inefficient with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G
• Property EPC ratings can be checked by visiting GOV.UK - Find an energy certificate.
Blackpool Council led the consortium which comprises Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Chorley, Hyndburn, Lancaster, Pendle, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire and Wyre.
Judith Mills, a representative of Cosy Homes in Lancashire, said: "We're thoroughly delighted to have been awarded such a large funding pot through HUG2 and know it will mean so much to our low-income residents who are often, and very sadly, too cold to function in their own homes.
"The aim of HUG2 is to help residents to improve the warmth and comfort of their homes whilst also reducing energy bills, carbon emissions and the levels of fuel poverty across Lancashire.
"Residents are being urged to check their eligibility and seek access to the grant as soon as possible; the floodgates have literally opened, so the sooner they take action, the sooner they can be more comfortable in their home."
