Nearly £2 million of grant funding is available for Oxford homeowners & residents in private rented homes to install energy efficiency and cost-saving measures to help reduce the rising cost of bills.
Oxford City Council has secured approximately £1.9 million in funding from the government to help low-income residents living in low EPC banded properties to make their homes warmer and greener and reduce energy bills.
The funding can be applied to various home upgrades ranging from smaller insulation and ventilation upgrades or energy-efficient lighting to more significant measures such as installing solar panels and heat pumps.
Homes with a low EPC rating are more likely to have higher energy bills. In 2021, the median energy costs per year for homes with an A-D rating was between £434 to £824 per year. The median energy cost in E-G rated homes is between £1,177 and £2,328 in comparison. With the rise in energy prices in April 2022, this figure is expected to rise even more.
The grant funding will support residents in making changes which can help improve their home’s energy efficiency and reduce their bills. It is estimated that improving a home from Band E to Band C could lower bills by as much as £800 annually.
The funding is available for homeowners and those living in private rented properties (subject to tenant and landlord approval).
Eligibility for the sustainable warmth grant funding
The grant funding will benefit households to be most likely impacted by rising fuel bills. To be eligible, the homes must:
- Have an EPC rating of band E, F or G. (D-rated homes can also be considered).
- Homeowners or tenants must be on a low income. For example:
- If your annual household income is under £30,000, or under £20,000 after rent or mortgage costs
- Your household is on means-tested benefits
- An allowance will also be made for the number of children in your household or if you have recently lost income.
The amount available depends on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and the current fuel source of the home. For privately-rented properties, landlords will need to contribute a minimum of one-third towards the cost of the upgrades.
Oxford City Council has been awarded the Sustainable Warmth Scheme funding, previously referred to as the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme.
The funding has been allocated to local authorities by the central government via the Greater South East Net Zero Hub. All work carried out as part of the grant funding must be completed by 31 March 2023.
Find out more
To find out more, and if you are eligible, residents can call the Energy Saving Trust free on 0808 196 8255 or visit oxford.gov.uk/sustainablewarmth website.
Comment
“Many of us are experiencing the rise in fuel prices at the moment and the impact it has on our energy bills. However, the rise in prices can be especially difficult for those on lower incomes and living in poorly insulated properties, who often have to pay more for their bills.
“The Sustainable Warmth grant allows residents to install measures to improve the energy efficiency of their homes that can help make a real difference. I strongly urge anyone who is struggling and is worried about next winter to apply as soon as possible.”
—Councillor Imogen Thomas, Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford and Climate Justice, Oxford City Council
