Upgrade your home’s heating and insulation and save on bills: Deadline looms for free funding in Bucks
Even more homeowners in Buckinghamshire are now eligible for government-backed grant funding to help insulate their home and improve its energy efficiency.
The Home Upgrade Grant threshold has been increased, meaning nearly 20 per cent more households could be eligible for grants to help cut costs in their hard-to-heat homes.
Work on qualifying homes must be fully completed by early 2025, so householders are being urged to apply as soon as possible to be in with a chance of being selected.
Do I qualify?
Despite lots of misconceptions, it’s not whether you work or if you claim benefits that matters. The main eligibility criteria is the total income for the household, and this can include wages and benefits. The cap has recently been increased to £36,000; those on certain means-tested benefits may also qualify. You could own your own home or be mortgaging it – or you can apply as a tenant if you are renting from a private landlord.
The next assessment for HUG phase two covers the type of heating you currently have – homes that don’t use a gas boiler for their main heating system could qualify for free energy-saving upgrades, including air source heat pumps, solar panels, additional insulation and more. You might still qualify even if you have a gas supply to your home, but don’t use it for your main heating source.
Homeowners who use electric heating – for example storage heaters, panel heaters and an electric boiler – or oil, coal, LPG or solid fuels, are eligible to apply. Full details are available here.
Will it cost me money?
If the applicant is eligible for the grant, the energy-savings are implemented at no cost, through funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Full details and a breakdown of figures will be given once your application is processed.
While the new systems can be installed up early in 2025, the deadline for applications is looming and applications are assessed on a first come first serve basis – don’t delay, visit hugapply.co.uk today to find more information and to fill in an application.