Homes get energy-efficiency boost thanks to grant

Harborough District Council has identified around 70 properties in Harborough district that can be retrofitted, as part of a Green Homes Grant, to be much more energy efficient, and will be working with the Platform Housing Group, after receiving Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme from the Government totalling nearly £480,000.

Harborough district has many older less efficient homes that can be cold and costly to heat. This is particularly the case in villages where there is no connection to gas.

As well as solar panels for hot water, homes will be insulated, and windows and doors upgraded if necessary.

Houses are set to benefit in Lubenham, Walcote, Walton by Kimcote, Swinford, Husbands Bosworth, Market Harborough, Tilton on the Hill and Great Easton.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead on climate change and warm homes, said: “I am delighted that a significant number of homes in the district will benefit from this funding which will not only help residents, but also supports our ongoing climate agenda. The majority of the properties are the homes of Platform Housing Group tenants and the works will leave them with warmer homes and cheaper bills.”

Kevin Carl, Assistant Asset Management Director (East) of Platform Housing Group, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the upgrade of energy inefficient properties in the district of Harborough.  This initiative will make customers’ homes warmer and allow them to save money on their heating bills.  It also confirms our commitment to creating sustainable homes and reducing fuel poverty."

The work has to be finished by December 2021, but the Council hopes that further funding will be made available next year to help more residents who have cold homes.

The LAD scheme aims to raise the energy efficiency of low-income and low EPC (energy performance certificate) rated homes (those with Band E, F or G) helping reducing fuel poverty, phasing out high carbon fossil fuel heating and supporting the UK's commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.