Home Upgrade Grants now available to Preston residents

County councillor Jennifer Mein at the top of the Bus Station car park — Councillor Mein is encouraging residents who are struggling to heat their homes to get in touch and see if they’re eligible for the scheme

Qualifying owner-occupiers in Preston can access an energy-efficiency grant scheme which is worth up to £25,000 per property.

Home Upgrade Grants are now available via ‘Cosy Homes in Lancashire’ (CHIL) – the Affordable Warmth Initiative established by the 15 Local Authorities in Lancashire, of which Preston is a member.

The aim of the scheme closing in March 2023, is to reduce fuel poverty and reach net zero ambitions.

‘CHiL’ can help qualifying owner-occupiers access the grant which covers the cost of installing recommended energy-efficiency measures free of charge to improve the thermal comfort of their home and ensure it is winter-ready.

Smart meter — The energy-saving grant is now open for applications

Councillor Mein, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Preston City Council, said: “We’re really encouraging all residents who are struggling to heat their homes to get in touch and find out if they’re eligible. It takes minutes and costs nothing.

“Properties eligible for the grant are those with a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G which currently do not benefit from gas central heating.

“If the property meets the criteria, then the household must also be eligible to access the grant. The friendly, helpful team at CHiL can quickly assess someone’s eligibility with a short phone call but residents need to hurry.

“The scheme closes in March 2023 so I’m urging people to find out if they’re eligible to claim before winter sets in.”

In addition to this, eligible households must have a combined income of no more than £30,000.

Anyone in receipt of benefits is likely to qualify but long term health conditions may also be taken into account when assessing eligibility.

The grant scheme is also available to Private Landlords, although the maximum grant available is £5,000 per property and a contribution from the landlord will be required.

Anyone interested can contact the CHiL team on 03306061488 or visit the CHiL website.