East Sussex residents to benefit from grant funding to keep homes warm

Residents across East Sussex are set to benefit from grant funding to make their homes more energy efficient after a group bid submitted by Hastings Borough Council in partnership with East Sussex County Council, Wealden, Lewes and Rother district councils and Eastbourne Borough Council was successfully approved.
More than £2.2 million has been awarded from the government's Sustainable Warmth Fund to upgrade energy inefficient homes of low-income households. This fund from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is made up of two separate fuel poverty schemes - the Home Upgrade Grant (Phase 1) and Local Authority Delivery (Phase 3).
The Home Upgrade Grant will support low-income households by upgrading the most energy inefficient homes which do not have a gas supply. The funding will support the installation of a range improvements to these homes, which can face higher upgrade costs, to substantially improve their energy performance. This funding will also enable low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures to be installed. The third phase of the Local Authority Delivery scheme also aims to upgrade the most energy inefficient properties, but this is focused on properties which already have a gas supply.
The funding is available to both owner occupiers and landlords, but the eligibility and level of funding will be dependent on the circumstances. The funding will be administered by the well-established Warm Home Check Service and owners, tenants and landlords are advised to contact the service to get advice and information, including eligibility for grant funding. The team will be able to work with tenants and landlords on what measures can be taken.
Cllr Andy Batsford Lead Councillor for Housing and Homelessness said: "This is fantastic news for Hastings' residents, and for residents across the whole of East Sussex. We know many are struggling with rising energy costs and are either in fuel poverty or due to rising costs are at greater risk of it. Not only will this funding help those most in need heat their homes more efficiently but it also contributes to the council's aim of reducing carbon emissions across the borough."
Cllr Carl Maynard, lead member for adult social care and health at East Sussex County Council, said: "The success of the East Sussex wide bid to the government's Sustainable Warmth Fund is great news for residents across the county.
"Living in a cold home can be very harmful to health. Unfortunately we know there are residents who struggle to keep their properties warm, and this money will enable us and our district and borough council colleagues to continue to address fuel poverty across East Sussex.
"In addition, about two fifths of carbon emissions in East Sussex are from people's homes, so helping vulnerable residents improve the energy efficiency of their homes through the installation of low carbon options will help address the climate emergency.
"I encourage residents who may be eligible for assistance to contact the Warm Home Check Service to find out more about the support available."
For more information and to apply for a Warm Home Check visit the Warm Home website,  text WARM to 80011 or call 0800 464 7307.