Energy efficiency to be added to low income rural homes in Wiltshire

The council wants to “retrofit” measures for up to 86 properties

Energy efficiency measures are to be added to low-income rural homes in Wiltshire through a Government grant to the Council.

More than £1.7 million is going into the scheme, which is expected to support up to 86 households.

This will go into “retrofitting” things like wall and attic insulation, solar panels, smart heating controls and air source heat pumps.

It is for houses that do not have gas and meet other criteria:

• Owner occupied by those on a low income (defined as having an annual gross household income of less than £36,000) who will not be required to contribute to the upgrade costs

• Private landlords who own four or fewer rental properties and have low-income tenants. Landlords must contribute a minimum of one-third to the total cost of the works, subject to the scheme’s cost caps.

Households can apply now to get involved, with a closing date of early November 2024. |newtab)

Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said:

“We want this funding to help those who need it most and bringing in EDF as an experienced specialist provider will help ensure this.

“This project is a unique opportunity to help low-income households with waste gas access energy efficiency measures for free, which are likely to save them money in the long term and also contribute to the climate goals of the county. It supports our Business Plan priority of leading the way in how councils and counties mitigate future climate challenges and, if successful, will help us attract more funding for more projects like this in the future.

“I encourage anyone eligible for this funding to register their interest to find out more about the upgrades EDF can make to their household for free. This is also a fantastic opportunity for landlords who own four or fewer rental properties and have low-income tenants, as these landlords only have to pay a third of the total cost of the works that will increase the energy efficiency and longevity of their properties. “

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