News release

12 July 2022

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEW HOUSING ENERGY GRANT SCHEME

South Lakeland residents can now apply for the Sustainable Warmth scheme for support installing energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating into their homes.

These improvements could make homes warmer and more comfortable whilst helping to lower energy bills and carbon emissions.

Properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F or G will be prioritised.

Eligible households must also have a combined household income of less than £30,000 a year or be in receipt of means-tested benefit.

Eligible owner-occupied households can receive funding up to £10,000 to £25,000 depending on the property and heating type. Owner-occupiers do not need to contribute any money themselves. Landlords of privately rented homes may also be eligible for funding up to £5,000 subject to a contribution of a third of the cost of the measures.

Councillor Helen Chaffey, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "Raising the energy efficiency rating of low income and low Energy Performance Certificate rated households is a priority of South Lakeland District Council and developing housing sustainability will have many social, economic and environmental benefits, not least providing additional support to households in fuel poverty."

Measures available through the scheme include solar PV panels, air source heat pumps, double glazing, energy efficient front doors, cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation or loft insulation.

SLDC is part of a consortium of district councils in the county, led by Carlisle City Council, which successfully bid for government funding for the scheme.

Councillor Dyan Jones, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action and Biodiversity, said: "This scheme will play a significant part in our response to the climate emergency and our work towards the target of being a carbon neutral district by 2037 and ensuring that existing homes are energy efficient is a large element of achieving that goal."

South Lakeland District Council will write to households who may be eligible for the scheme. If you receive a letter or are interested in learning more, please contact homelife@carlisle.gov.uk or complete the application form on the Carlisle City Council website at https://www.carlisle.gov.uk/Residents/Housing-and-Homeless/Sustainable-Warmth-Cumbria-Grants.