£150 off their energy bills under Warm House Scheme: The UK government has announced a major new initiative to make homes warmer and cheaper to run for thousands of families in England. Under the Warm Homes Plan, up to 170,000 low-income and social housing households will receive energy efficiency upgrades. With £1.8 billion in funding now allocated to local councils and housing providers, this step is expected to ease energy bills and improve living standards across the country.
What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is a government programme designed to help people living in cold, draughty, and energy-inefficient homes. By providing insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps, the plan aims to make homes warmer, healthier, and cheaper to heat.
This is part of the UK’s wider effort to reduce reliance on expensive international gas markets, lower carbon emissions, and boost household incomes under the “Plan for Change” policy.
Key Takeaways
- New energy saving upgrades can help families save hundreds off their bills, as delivery of the Warm Homes Plan accelerates
- Low-income households and tenants in social housing to benefit from measures such as insulation, double glazing, solar panels and heat pumps
- Allocations to be made through the Warm Homes: Local Grant and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, as government puts more money in people’s pockets through the Plan for Change
Who Will Benefit from This Funding?
The £1.8 billion will be focused on low-income households and social housing tenants, reaching some of the most vulnerable people in England. Here’s how the money will be distributed:
- £1.29 billion through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, supporting 144 projects across England.
- £500 million through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, backing 73 projects in 270 local authorities over three years.
Special allocations will also be made for West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) as part of the Warm Homes and Public Sector Decarbonisation Devolution Programme.
What Types of Upgrades Will Homes Get?
Families can expect a range of energy performance and clean heating upgrades, including:
- Wall and loft insulation to keep heat inside.
- Solar panels for cheaper and cleaner electricity.
- Heat pumps as an alternative to traditional gas boilers.
These improvements could help save hundreds of pounds a year on energy bills, while also cutting carbon emissions.
Why Is This Important Now?
With energy bills remaining high due to global gas price fluctuations, many families struggle to keep their homes warm. This initiative:
- Reduces reliance on costly fossil fuels.
- Helps cut energy bills permanently.
- Supports the UK’s goal of becoming a “clean energy superpower”.
Additional Government Support for Households
The Warm Homes Plan comes alongside other government efforts, including:
- The Warm Home Discount expansion, making nearly 3 million households, including 1 million families with children, eligible for £150 off their energy bills next winter.
- A £500 million Winter Package with Energy UK to help people struggling with bills.
- An extension of the Household Support Fund for essentials like food, energy, and water.
- Increased funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, almost doubling the budget to £295 million, and an extra £55 million added for this financial year.
Sector Leaders Welcome the Announcement
Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers:
“Living in a warm, comfortable home should not be a luxury. We are delivering on our promise to improve thousands of homes across England.”
Kate Henderson, CEO, National Housing Federation:
“This is a crucial step to tackle fuel poverty. There’s a clear appetite among housing associations to make these improvements quickly.”
Gavin Smart, CEO, Chartered Institute for Housing:
“This investment is vital to make homes warmer and cheaper to run. It will reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions.”
Tracy Harrison, CEO, Northern Housing Consortium:
“This funding will make a big difference in the North, where many homes are older and harder to heat. It also supports jobs and local economies.”
Derek Horrocks, Chairman, Sustainable Energy UL:
“This will help the most vulnerable, creating warmer, healthier homes and supporting thousands of jobs in the green economy.”
The Warm Homes Plan is a powerful step toward creating a fairer, greener future for England. By targeting 170,000 homes, the initiative will help families cut their energy bills, improve living conditions, and contribute to the UK’s broader climate goals. With added support for social housing and low-income families, this funding also promises to boost local jobs and skills in the growing green sector.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/up-to-170000-homes-to-get-energy-saving-upgrades
FAQ
What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is a £1.8 billion UK government scheme to upgrade 170,000 homes in England with energy efficiency improvements like insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps, focusing on low-income and social housing households.
Who is eligible for the Warm Homes Plan?
Low-income households and social housing tenants across England are eligible for home upgrades under the Warm Homes Plan, helping them reduce energy bills and live in warmer homes.
What kind of home upgrades will be provided?
Upgrades include wall and loft insulation, solar panels for cheaper electricity, and modern heat pumps to replace old heating systems—making homes warmer, healthier, and cheaper to heat.
How much can families save on energy bills?
Families can save hundreds of pounds a year on energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient and reducing heating costs.
How long will the Warm Homes Plan funding be available?
The £1.8 billion funding will be distributed over the next three years, supporting 144 social housing projects and 73 local council projects across England.
