Norwich residents living in energy-inefficient homes are set to benefit from nearly £17 million in new government funding awarded to the city council.
As part of its commitment to making Norwich a net-zero city by 2045, the council submitted two bids for funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) – both of which were successful.
The first, the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, builds on previous allocations from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and supports local authorities and social housing providers in improving energy efficiency. The council has been awarded £12,042,657 and with the addition of council co-funding, this £22.6 million programme will see 1,400 solar PV systems, 140 air source heat pumps, and a ground source heat pump system installed across the council’s social housing stock.
Work is set to begin in April 2025 and will run for three years, with grant-funded improvements to be completed by 31 March 2028. Council tenants will be contacted directly about any planned works to their property.
The second fund, the Warm Homes: Local Grant, has secured £4,745,409 to support low-income households living in energy-inefficient privately owned or rented homes (EPC rating D-G). People living in inefficient homes with an annual household gross income of less than £36,000, or on specified means tested benefits (housing benefit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit and Universal Credit) or living in deprived post codes in the city could quality for this funding.
Over three years, this funding will provide upgrades to 330 private sector homes, with up to £15,000 available per property for energy efficiency measures and up to £15,000 for low-carbon heating solutions such as heat pumps.
These improvements will help residents by making homes warmer, healthier, and more affordable to heat, while also reducing carbon emissions across the city.
People interested in finding out more or who think they may be eligible for the Warm Homes scheme can email climateaction@norwich.gov.uk
Councillor Emma Hampton, cabinet member for climate change and fuel poverty, said:
“This funding is fantastic news for Norwich. It will make a real difference to people’s lives by improving home comfort, reducing energy bills, and tackling fuel poverty.
“Securing this investment also strengthens our efforts to reach net zero by 2045. We remain committed to driving forward ambitious environmental change and will continue to seize every opportunity to secure funding that benefits our residents and our city.”
Councillor Beth Jones, cabinet member for housing, said:
“Keeping homes warm and energy-efficient is a key priority for us. This funding allows us to make significant improvements to homes that are currently hard to heat, making them more comfortable and reducing running costs for residents.
“We will continue to seek out further investment to improve our housing stock and ensure tenants and residents benefit from the best possible living conditions.”
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