Suffolk residents are set to benefit in two ways following recent Government announcements about its Green Homes Grants.
The Green Homes scheme, which is designed to help make homes more energy efficient, offers vouchers to households to get energy saving work done, and also invites councils to bid for funding to run home energy efficiency projects.
A Suffolk consortium bid led by West Suffolk Council has been awarded over £1 million from the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy for five projects to be installed by 31 March 2021.
The funding will help insulate 50 owner occupied and privately rented park homes in West Suffolk; insulate and install renewable heating in 48 socially rented properties in Babergh and Mid Suffolk; retrofit external insulation in two properties in East Suffolk; install solid wall insulation in ten properties in Leiston and Sizewell; and install insulation and heating measures in 73 social housing homes managed by Flagship Group.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has announced that the Greener Homes voucher scheme for homes has been extended to March 2022, giving households an extra year to apply for up to £5000 towards energy saving measures. Apply for the Green Homes Grant Scheme website
Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council said,
“Here in Suffolk we have a strong track record, both individually and as partners, in addressing climate change. The window for making this bid, and for delivering the projects was extremely tight. But because we collaborate so well and because it is a priority for us all, these schemes were ready and I am delighted to say, were successful in securing the funding. It is available to householders through the Green Homes scheme and discovering how you could benefit is fairly simple. Moreover, by making your homes more energy efficient, you could be warmer, save on fuel bills and of course, do your part in reducing carbon emissions.’
Cllr James Mallinder, Cabinet member for Environment at East Suffolk Council said,
“I am delighted that we have been able to secure this funding to improve energy efficiency in homes across Suffolk. East Suffolk Council is committed to developing and delivering a strong environment vision and following our climate emergency declaration last year, this is an important step in reducing our carbon footprint in homes. Not only does better insulated homes reduce energy costs for residents, it also reduces the resources needed to heat and care for our homes, and by making small changes now, we can make a big difference over time.”
Cllr John Ward, Babergh District Council Leader said:
“Thanks to this grant we can now upgrade 48 heating systems in our homes across the district.
“By carrying out these works, we can improve their energy efficiency, while also reducing our carbon emissions and impact on the environment.
“This will not only work towards the aims of our Carbon Reduction Management Plan but will also improve quality of life for some of our lower income households, helping to reduce fuel poverty.”
Cllr Suzie Morley, Mid Suffolk District Council Leader said:
“This funding is great news for our tenants and will play an important role in helping to achieve our carbon neutral ambitions.
“Ensuring our housing stock is of a high standard and provides safe, warm and secure places to live remains our priority.
“We are committed to investigating further funding to improve our homes, in order to reduce our carbon emissions and support the wellbeing of our community in the place we’re proud to call home.”
John Rayner, Clerk to Leiston cum Sizewell Town Council said,
“We are delighted to be a part of this successful consortium bid with West Suffolk Council, which has provided funding for energy efficiency measures for 10 Leiston homes. Leiston Together are leading the “Net Zero Leiston” project, a collaboration of low carbon energy consultancies, engineering expertise and local councils, which is informing the path to get our town to Net Zero Emissions. By increasing the energy efficiency of the homes in Leiston, we are tackling climate change, whilst also helping our vulnerable residents save money on their energy and keep their homes warm. This funding is vital to Leiston and to the success of Net Zero Leiston. We will continue to seek further opportunities like this.”
Megan Gonsalves, Energy and Sustainability Manager for Flagship Group, said
“We’re always looking to embrace a greener, cleaner approach to our thinking, homes and across our business. This work will mean significant savings our customers involved and will help us to achieve our goal for all our homes to be EPC C by 2030. It’s an exciting step forwards, and thanks to the Suffolk Consortium’s successful bid, we’re one step closer to improving the future for our customers and communities, as well as the future of the planet.”
