Homeowners and landlords are being urged by East Cambridgeshire District Council to apply now for grants that can be used to make their properties more energy efficient and cheaper to run.

The grant funding was secured by Action on Energy, which is a partnership scheme between Cambridgeshire Local Authorities. The partnership’s aim is to improve the lives of local residents by facilitating energy efficiency improvements in homes and reducing energy costs for householders.

Now in its second phase, the scheme, which receives its grant money from the Green Deals Communities Fund, opened for further applications on the 18^th January 2016. Grant funding is not means tested and only registered installers are able to install the improvements using the grant funding.

The Energy Officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “So far, there has been an excellent uptake, particularly with the homeowner grants. We strongly encourage landlords to do the same and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to apply for funding that will lead to an immediate improvement of their property, which will be in the interest of tenants too in the form of cheaper energy bills.”

Landlords in particular are encouraged to take advantage of this funding opportunity in preparation for new energy legislation, which will forbid the letting out of extremely inefficient policies after 2018.

Who can benefit and how?

For homeowners, the funding covers 75% of the costs of installing solid wall insulation up to a maximum value of £4,000 per property.

Landlords can apply for the same solid wall insulation grant as homeowners, plus an additional £1000* is available for a secondary measure such as a new boiler. Landlords with properties that have a cavity wall can apply for a £1000* grant towards energy efficiency improvements, one of which should be insulation if recommended.

* Up to 75% of the cost.

Grant funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, therefore it is essential that applications are submitted as soon as possible.

For more information and to apply, visit the Action on Energy website, or if you live in East Cambridgeshire, contact 01353 665555