Last chance for home improvement grants

There are just a few days left for residents to take advantage of grant funding for energy improvements to their homes.

Hundreds of eligible Plymouth homes have already received energy upgrades through the Future Fit programme, a partnership between the Council with local charity Plymouth Energy Community (PEC), which has seen £4million of government funding distributed across up to 300 eligible homes in the city.

But with access to this round of funding closing to new applicants at the end of the week, residents who have not yet checked their eligibility are being urged to get involved.

The money can be spent on improvements such as wall, floor and loft insulation; getting rid of draughts; help with heating controls; installing solar and replacing off-the-grid gas heating systems. Many of these major upgrades are not affordable to most, which is where this grant fund can help.

To make the process as smooth as possible, PEC has created a handy funding eligibility checker where you can discover what improvements can be funded for your home.

While a number of eligibility factors will be considered, the Future Fit project is open for homeowners and households living in privately rented accommodation with a yearly income of less than £30,000.

Visit www.plymouthenergycommunity.com/futurefit now for more information, and look out for PEC’s Future Fit team in your neighbourhood over the next few months.

PEC Project Manager Justin Bear said, “We really want to ensure that every penny of this government funding goes to help people in Plymouth, however the scheme closes in just a couple of weeks. If you think your home could benefit, I’d encourage you to fill in the eligibility checker and see if we can help you.

If your household meets the eligibility criteria, we manage the whole process: the initial home energy assessment; coordinating local contractors to do the upgrades according to what a house needs, and issuing the funding on behalf of the Council.”

Councillor James Stoneman, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, added: “I’m delighted that so many households have been able to take advantage of this fantastic scheme.

“I’d urge anyone who would like energy improvements to their home to check their eligibility to find out if you can receive this grant funded support to make your home warmer and more cost efficient to heat.”

Plymouth resident Laurie said: “Plymouth Energy Community have been amazing. Their specialist knowledge got grants to pay for new storage heaters and solar roof panels. I don’t know what I would have done without their friendly, helpful support. I cannot thank them enough!”

With rising energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis, bills are getting much harder to manage for everyone. Brought to you by PCC and PEC at this critical time, Future Fit is here to help 300 households stay warm and save money well into the future.

www.plymouthenergycommunity.com/futurefit