Free insulation upgrades in new £2m Mid Suffolk initiative
The money will be invested in homes across the district as part of the council’s new Mid Suffolk Cosy Homes initiative, funding the likes of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and draught proofing works.
This will improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of hundreds of homes, making them more efficient, cutting carbon emissions and lowering energy bills.
To qualify, properties need:
• an EPC rating below a C. You can find out more about energy ratings here.
• an annual household income under £60k.
• savings of no more than £16k.
• to be in Council Tax bands A-D
• Insulation options must be viable in the property.
The Mid Suffolk Cosy Homes initiative is aimed at private homeowners in the district that meet the criteria and landlords with less than five properties. A maximum spend has been allocated for each property.
People are encouraged to express their interest in the Mid Suffolk Cosy Homes initiative early, with the £2million campaign expected to prove popular.
Cllr Richard Winch, Mid Suffolk cabinet member for housing and property, said:
“We want to help people to save energy, save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
“We’re delighted to be launching this initiative, and while we know there is still so much work to be done to make all homes energy-efficient, this is a really positive step forward. It also shows how seriously our council is taking this issue.
“We encourage any resident that meets the criteria to take advantage of the free offer and enjoy a cosier home this winter.”
“We are delighted to be working with Mid Suffolk District Council to help deliver grant funding to their residents to increase the energy efficiency of homes and reduce heating bills.”
Insulation improvements at Mid Suffolk’s council homes are already covered by the council's housing programme.
The Cosy Homes initiative has been developed to support private homeowners in Mid Suffolk. However, there are alternative schemes in place to support residents that do not need the criteria. The Warm Homes Suffolk scheme was set up by councils across Suffolk to support households across the county implement measures to reduce their fuel bills and carbon footprints.