New insulation scheme has been extended. Leeds City Council has expanded the support available and extended its scheme to help low-income households in some of the city’s coldest homes stay warm for less.
Eligible residents in Leeds can now apply for high quality insulation to their attic room. Also known as ‘room in roof’ insulation, this is offered free of charge to prevent heat from escaping.
Residents now have until March 31 to apply for the green upgrades. The popular scheme was extended to give more homeowners time to sign up.
Better Homes Yorkshire Insulation Scheme
Delivered in partnership with Better Homes Yorkshire and installed by Eclipse Energy, the deadline extension means that work can now be completed up until the end of June.
Having attic room insulation could reduce a household’s annual energy bills by up to £482.26. This saves a whopping 75.26 tonnes of carbon per property over a lifetime.
Almost 600 Leeds homes have already benefited from upgrades with some opting to install free solar panels.
The scheme’s popularity means that funding has now been fully allocated for homes with a ‘D’ EPC rating. This means the scheme is only available for the district’s coldest homes. This applied to properties with an EPC rating of E, F or G going forward.
Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply even if they do not know their current EPC rating. Your rating can be checked and confirmed by Better Homes Yorkshire.
How to qualify
To qualify, homeowners must have a combined household income of £30,000 per year or be in receipt of certain benefits. Property value or savings accounts held are not considered when assessing eligibility for the scheme.
Additionally, landlords can also apply for heavily subsidised installation. In particular if their property’s tenants collectively earn under £30,000.
By installing energy efficiency measures, homeowners will contribute to Leeds City Council’s ambition to reduce Leeds’ direct carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030.
Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:
“With Leeds households facing rising energy costs, it has never been more important help residents save energy and stay warm for less. I hope these changes to this fantastic scheme will mean that more families are able to benefit.
“I strongly encourage residents to call Better Homes Yorkshire if they think they might qualify. You have nothing to lose by doing so, I want to see many residents benefit from this offer as possible. “As well as helping households save money and stay warm, these upgrades will help cut carbon. Making homes fit for a more sustainable future. Furthermore, providing yet another reminder of the immediate benefits that result from our efforts to tackle climate change.”