Dozens of homes in Derby will receive vital energy efficiency upgrades to help low-income families save on energy bills
Derby: The city is gearing up for a £3 million boost aimed at helping vulnerable families cut down on their energy bills. But there are worries that some folks might not get the help they need.
Derby City Council plans to apply for government funding to upgrade some of the least energy-efficient homes in the area. This is a big deal for many households struggling with high energy costs.
To qualify for the Warm Homes Local Grant, families need to have an annual income below £36,000. The council hopes to tap into a £3.28 million fund to make these essential upgrades.
With this money, residents can get grants for things like better insulation and low-carbon heating. The goal is to help those living in the worst privately-owned homes save on their energy bills.
A cabinet meeting is scheduled for January 8, where Labour councillors will discuss the funding bid. They want to improve as many homes as possible, aiming for an energy efficiency rating of Band C by 2030.
However, there’s a catch. The criteria for who gets help is set by the government, not the council. This means some households in less deprived areas might miss out, even if they really need the support.
Councillor Lucy Care expressed her concerns at a recent meeting, highlighting that people in poorly insulated homes in wealthier neighborhoods could be left out. It’s a tricky situation, especially for those in ex-council houses that haven’t been upgraded yet.
Another councillor, Chris Poulter, pointed out that landlords might not feel motivated to apply for the grants, which could limit the program’s effectiveness. He stressed that while they can push for funding, the eligibility rules are out of their hands.
The council has successfully upgraded many council homes in the past, and this new initiative will focus on private properties. They’re already working on several government fuel poverty schemes, so this is just an extension of their ongoing efforts.
In the end, the council hopes to reach out to households that haven’t met the current grant conditions, giving them a better chance to tackle fuel poverty in Derby.
