Free energy saving upgrades offered to homes in Leeds

Free or reduced price energy saving measures are being offered to eligible homeowners and landlords in Leeds.

The city council has secured £15.5m from the government's Home Upgrade Grant and will work with energy services firm Everwarm Ltd.

Upgrades available include different types of insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and electric radiators.

The council said it would help people "save money and cut carbon".

According to the city council, British homes are some of the least energy-efficient in Europe.

Fewer than half of Leeds' privately rented or privately owned homes achieved a C grade (or better) for their energy-efficiency rating in 2021 and one-in-six households in the city were classed as living in fuel poverty in 2020.

Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space and Jessica Lennox, executive member for housing, said tackling heat waste from homes was a "win-win".

"It helps household finances, improves our health, and is good for the planet too."

They said while some people can afford energy-saving measures they knew that others needed additional support.

"As a council, we're determined to make it easier for Leeds homeowners and landlords to access the Home Energy Help they need to save money and cut carbon."

The council said homeowners that qualify would be able to get upgrades fitted for free, while eligible landlords would be able to install the same improvements with a two-thirds discount.

Residents can check their eligibility for the scheme online and Everwarm will then work with them to agree a combination of upgrades to improve the energy efficiency (EPC) rating of their property.

Applications for the scheme will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis.

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