Preston City Council are now offering the Government’s ‘Home Upgrade Grant’ to its residents.

The grant amount is dependent on the EPC rating of your property and how it is currently heated but can be up worth up to £25,000 and eligible measures are free for owner-occupiers.  The grant is only available to those that do not have gas central heating.

What is a Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)?

The Home Upgrade Grant Scheme is a £2.5bn Government scheme to provide energy efficiency upgrades and low carbon heating to low-income households that do not have gas central heating. 

Lancashire Authorities have received £8.5m for the first phase.  The aim is to help residents to improve the warmth and comfort of their homes whilst also reducing energy bills, carbon emissions and the levels of fuel poverty across Lancashire.

The scheme aims to raise the energy efficiency of low energy performance homes which do not have gas central heating by installing insulation measures, upgrading single glazed windows to double glazing units and installing renewable heating technologies.

What is the Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) initiative?

Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) is an Affordable Warmth initiative established by the 15 Local Authorities in Lancashire.

This includes other councils in our area, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Chorley Borough Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Burnley Council which means the grant is also available to those outside of Preston who live in one of the above council areas.

CHiL has a centralised hub, managed by Rhea Projects Ltd who operate the scheme on behalf of all Lancashire Local Authorities.

How much is the grant?

Homeowners may be entitled to receive a grant of up to £25,000 towards eligible measures to improve the energy efficiency of your property.

Landlords can get a maximum grant of £5,000 however a contribution will be required in all cases.

What improvements can you get with the grant?

If the occupier and the property are eligible, the following energy efficient measures may be covered by the grant:

  • Insulation (solid wall insulation, loft insulation, room in roof insulation and underfloor)
  • Renewable heating technologies such as Air Source Heat Pumps
  • Energy efficient external doors and window upgrades (single glazed to double glazed)
  • Solar PV

Eligibility for the grant

You may be eligible if:

  • Your property has a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of band D, E, F or G
  • Your property does not have gas central heating installed
  • You own the home (including shared ownership and park homes on residential sites)
  • You have a household income of less than £30,000 or are in receipt of any benefits
  • You are a residential landlord in the private sector

What happens if you live in rented accommodation?

The grant is available to landlords in order to help them upgrade the property, thereby making the property greener and warmer.

The tenant will have to apply and will still be required to meet the eligibility criteria.

A maximum grant of £5,000 is available to Landlords and a contribution will be required in all instances.

The advice is if you are renting and are struggling to heat your home in winter, to speak to your landlord or letting agent and tell them about the grant.

When does the scheme end?

The scheme runs until 30 March 2023, although future funding rounds are expected.  You must act fast to find out if you're eligible or you may miss out.

To find out if you and your property are eligible, it’s just one quick call, or for more information contact 'CHiL' direct on 03306 061 488 or visit the Cosy Homes in Lancashire website.