Cash on offer for home energy upgrades
A unique £6.5 million scheme that creates a one-stop shop for home energy improvements and helps homeowners to pay for them has been launched in Hackney.
The Smart Homes project offers residents across Hackney and five other north London boroughs, easy access to grants of up to £6,000 for major green upgrades to their home - such as solid wall insulation - as well as subsidised energy assessments.
Funded by the Green Deal Communities Fund, the scheme is the first of its kind in the country and aims to make it simpler and more affordable for homeowners to make upgrades that could cut their energy bills in half. Unlike previous national schemes, residents will be able to get all the assessments, finances and work done by one firm, reducing the hassle of dealing with scores of different suppliers and installation companies. Wherever possible the project will be using local firms to boost trade in the boroughs.
The project will focus on Victorian and Edwardian terraces where simple, cheap energy upgrades can be difficult because of the architecture of the buildings.
We know that many residents are keen to save energy and money on their bills but might not know where to start. This is a great way to access a significant contribution towards the cost of improving the energy efficiency of your home and to seek advice from local experts, who will give you a subsidised assessment of what improvements can be made. The pot is limited, so I'd encourage Hackney residents to take advantage of this opportunity.
The project is expected to benefit around 1,600 households in Hackney, Haringey, Camden, Enfield, Islington and Waltham Forest. It will initially run for one year, depending on demand.
For more information and to apply for an assessment, contact the advice line on 020 7527 4736 or complete the online form at www.smarthomes.house