The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund is set to improve the lives of over 8,800 households by offering free energy efficiency upgrades, resulting in an average annual
saving of £400 on energy bills.
Announced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, led by The Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP, and Lord Callanan, this initiative will allocate over £75 million to councils and housing associations. The funds will be used to install insulation, heat pumps, and double glazing in social homes, providing significant savings for tenants and supporting 1,300 jobs.
The aim of these upgrades is to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate the living standards of social housing tenants. With almost half of all homes in England now rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C or higher, this initiative represents a significant step towards achieving energy efficiency targets.
Secretary of State for Energy Security Claire Coutinho emphasized the government's commitment to assisting families in reducing expenses and maintaining comfortable living conditions. She stated that the allocated funding will enable approximately 8,800 households to save approximately £400 annually on their energy bills.
Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan highlighted the positive impact of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund in providing cost-effective solutions and warmer homes for low-income families. The additional funding will further support job creation in the retrofit industry.
The latest wave of funding, open to new applicants, aims to expand the reach of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and bring additional social housing landlords into the program. This expansion aligns with the government's goal of reaching as many social homes as possible to address fuel poverty and enhance energy efficiency.
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, which has already allocated over £1 billion since 2019, has received praise for its effectiveness in delivering energy-saving measures. Projects such as those undertaken by Durham County Council and Manchester City Council have demonstrated tangible benefits, including reduced carbon emissions and lower energy costs for tenants.
Looking ahead, the government remains committed to improving energy efficiency and promoting low-carbon heating solutions. Initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers grants of up to £7,500, and recent policy adjustments to provide homeowners with more flexibility in home improvements, are part of ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower household energy bills.
The continued support for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund reflects the government's dedication to achieving net zero targets and ensuring affordable, sustainable housing for all. The positive feedback from previous recipients underscores the importance of such initiatives in delivering tangible benefits to communities across the country.