Grant scheme available for residents to make homes energy efficient

The Home Upgrade Grant scheme, delivered through the Green Living Leicestershire partnership on behalf of Harborough District Council, supports properties that do not have mains gas as a primary heating system such as those with electric, heating oil, LPG or solid fuel heating. Households that only use gas for cooking or secondary room heating can still apply.

The funding is available to improve warmth and comfort of homes, whilst also reducing energy bills, carbon emissions and levels of fuel poverty. Eligible households could receive free energy efficiency improvements or clean heating (such as air source heat pumps) for their homes, following a home assessment.

To qualify, homes must be energy inefficient and have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G and household income should be less than £31,000. Residents who are in receipt of a means tested benefit will automatically qualify. 

Landlords can also apply for funding, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria, and will need to contribute a third of the total cost of the work.

Cllr Darren Woodiwiss, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for Environmental and Climate Change, said: “It is important that residents, particularly those living in rural areas of the Harborough district, have sustainable options for their homes. This scheme improves the energy efficiency of owner-occupier and private rental households most in need of assistance, reduces energy bills and tackles climate change.

“We would also encourage residents to apply for the scheme now, well in advance of the winter months, so that any work can be carried out and improvements are in place for the inevitably colder weather.”

The Home Upgrade Grant scheme is being administered by Leicestershire County Council’s Warm Homes service together with YES Energy Solutions and will run until 31 March 2025.

For more information, and to apply, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/home-upgrade-grant