Broadland: Leads energy upgrades to homes in Norfolk

Elderly man with boiler

Broadland District Council has led a successful bid for £3.85 million in government funding to provide energy efficiency improvements for people living in low income households.

The grant is being awarded to Norfolk Warm Homes Consortium, led by Broadland and including South Norfolk, Breckland, North Norfolk, and Kings Lynn and West Norfolk councils, as part of the Government's Sustainable Warmth Competition. 

Protecting and improving the environment while maximising quality of life for its residents are key priorities for Broadland District Council. This funding will enable it to reduce fuel poverty and energy bills by helping residents move away from more expensive forms of heating, such as electric fires, storage heaters or coal fires. This improvement in homes’ energy efficiency will lead to a reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions. 

Cllr Judy Leggett, Broadland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environmental Excellence, said:

“It’s important to us that residents live in warm, comfortable homes, as this is crucial for mental and physical wellbeing. We also want to make houses as energy-efficient as possible to reduce bills as well as our district’s carbon footprint. I’d urge anyone living in a cold, damp environment, or who has concerns about heating their home, to get in touch to see how we can help.”   

Households are eligible if they live in poor energy efficient homes with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G, and have a gross household income of less than £30,000. 

The scheme is open to homeowners and landlords of privately rented housing alike, and in most cases, eligible homeowners will not need to pay anything towards the costs. Landlords can get a two thirds subsidy for the works, up to the value of £5,000, if tenants are on a low income or benefits.    

The grant scheme opens in January 2022 and will run until March 2023. To find out more, visit  www.norfolkwarmhomes.org.uk or call 01603 430103.  

Published: 13 December 2021