Wirral residents can now apply for a new grant to help keep their homes warmer for less

More than 500 Wirral homes could soon be warmer as a new grant scheme comes into place.

Sustainable Warmth grants will pay for works such as improved insulation or glazing or the installation of solar panels.

Home-owners, tenants and landlords can apply for up to £25,000 subject to how the property is heated.

To ensure the grants are going to be used for the homes and residents who need them the most, the eligibility criteria includes a household income of below £30,000 a year or the Minimum Income Standard, and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of the property being either E, F or G.

This scheme is in partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). The funding is part of the £28.5m that the LCRCA were successful in securing from Government.

Cllr Julie McManus, Chair of the Housing Committee at Wirral Council, said:

“With the price of energy and household bills going up, the news that we have secured more national funding to help reduce these bills, couldn’t come at a better time.

“These grants will support residents to make essential home improvements to help keep them warm. As we continue to face the colder weather, installing insulation, secondary glazing or even solar panels, is something we could all be thinking about to keep warm and well for years to come.”

If the property does not have an EPC, it is still possible to apply but the application will only be successful if the EPC is eligible.

A limited amount of this funding is available for homes that are gas-heated. If a home is gas-heated, the house must be located in certain areas of Liscard, Seacombe, Bidston and St James, Birkenhead and Tranmere, Rock Ferry, New Ferry, Claughton, Oxton or Prenton. Applicants can check their properties address on the council’s website to see if it qualifies for a grant.

Private landlords, or residents living in rented accommodation, wishing to apply for the grant, this must be discussed with tenants or landlords respectively to ensure the grants are suitable. Tenants must meet the eligibility criteria and landlords will be required to fund at least one third of the overall cost of the works.

For more information on the grants, or to apply, visit the council’s website. Alternatively, call the council’s energy advice partner Energy Projects Plus on 0800 043 0151, who can support residents with their applications.

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