Grants scheme launched to make homes greener and more energy efficient

Grants scheme launched to make homes greener and more energy efficient

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Combined Authority are investing £31.8m into a new grant scheme to help residents save money on energy bills and make homes more energy efficient.

Applications are now open to the Warm Homes Local Grant programme, which is aimed at lowering carbon emissions and reducing fuel poverty.

Homeowners and private landlords can apply for up to £15,000 towards energy-efficient measures such as solar panels, heat pumps, and wall and loft insulations.

Under the plan, around 2,000 properties are to receive energy efficiency improvements aimed at supporting progress towards EPC Band C, with work carried out by Birkenhead-based LMF Energy, and Fairway Energy, in Kirkby.

The scheme is the latest step in the Combined Authority's ambitious plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2035 - at least a decade before the national target.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "Everyone deserves the dignity of a warm, safe home. But for too many people across our region, that simply isn't the reality. With increasing uncertainty around energy security, it's vital that we have a strong safety net in place to support families when they fall on hard times.

"This funding we've secured will allow us to help thousands of disadvantaged families to stay warm, cut their bills, and improve their quality of life.

"By upgrading homes with better insulation and low-carbon technologies, we're not only tackling fuel poverty head on - we're also reducing our carbon footprint too. Domestic properties account for around a third of our region's CO2 emissions, making this one of the most impactful steps we can take for our future.

"In 2026, no one should have to choose between heating and eating. That's why I'm determined to take action and ensure we support those who need it most."

The Combined Authority (CA) has invested £105 million in retrofitting energy efficient measures to 10,000 homes, with £80m secured to retrofit another 10,000 properties, working with local authorities and housing associations.

The programme has helped some of the region's most disadvantaged households to save hundreds of pounds a month on their energy bills.

Work began in February on a £40m programme to cut emissions by more than half at 35 public buildings, with energy-saving measures set to be installed at historic buildings, town halls, leisure centres and libraries.

A further £31.8m has been secured for the local grants from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), as part of the government's £15bn Warm Homes plan.

The CA is delivering the programme for Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Wirral and will assess applications in these local authority areas. Liverpool and Sefton residents will need to apply directly to their respective councils.

Households earning below £36,000 a year, in receipt of means-tested benefits or living in qualifying postcodes are eligible.

Local grants include the replacement of gas boilers with low-carbon alternatives, such as heat pumps and high-retention storage heaters, and energy efficiency measures such as insulation and solar panels.

Liverpool City Council has appointed Next Energy to deliver the programme with Ecogee Carrying out work in Sefton.

Applications: Residents interested in upgrading their home and who believe they are eligible can register their interest either through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's website or the Government Portal.