Funding boost for energy efficiency in private homes
More funding is available to help eligible residents on low incomes improve energy efficiency in their homes following agreement at the housing committee held on 17 November 2021.
The Warm, Safe Home grant is available to homeowners and private tenants on low incomes struggling to afford to keep their homes warm.
Following the decision, the maximum available grant will be topped up to £20,000 using Warmer Homes programme funding, an increase of £12,500 above the previous limit.
The grant is means-tested and can be used to fund electrical and gas safety checks and repairs, boiler repairs or replacement loft and cavity wall insulation.
The increase in the maximum grant will also allow for the installation of air source heat pumps where feasible to further reduce carbon emissions.
To keep the process as simple as possible, applications for funding will be managed through the Disabled Facilities Grants process, as set out in the Disabled Facilities Grants Housing Policy.
To find out more about the Warm, Safe Home grants, contact our Disabled Facilities Grant team by emailing disabledfacilitiesgrant@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 294366.
Improving energy efficiency
Councillor Siriol Hugh-Jones, co-chair of the housing committee, said: “How we heat our houses is both a vital issue for our residents and a key way to help prevent emissions from cold homes – so this work really can’t progress fast enough.
“Working alongside Labour councillors as part of our joint plans for housing, we have already committed to reducing carbon emissions in both council homes and the homes of those on low incomes.
“The extension of the grant scheme is real progress and will enable more residents to benefit.
“By installing climate adaptation measures in their homes, we allow people and planet to flourish.
“Residents who take this forward could see a reduction in fuel bills and improvements to their health and wellbeing.”
Extra help with fuel, food and other essentials this winter
Extra help is also available this winter for Brighton & Hove residents struggling to pay fuel, food and other essentials.
The support is part of the government’s Household Support Fund and is available until 31 March 2022.
To find out more and apply, visit our Household Support Fund webpage or call our Community Hub helpline on 01273 293117 and select option 2.
