A scheme that will help homeowners make their property greener and sustainable - and save money on energy bills has returned for homeowners in the Blakenhall area of the city.

City of Wolverhampton Council in partnership with Marches Energy Agency is set to deliver the next phase of the Green Homes Grant - Local Authority Delivery Scheme.

The scheme known as LAD3, will enable city homeowners on low incomes, who may be struggling to pay their heating bills, to make energy efficient improvements to their homes that will help to keep them warmer and reduce energy use.

Homeowners will be able to take advantage of improvements such as floor and loft insulation, storage heaters, and newly fitted energy efficient windows and doors. This will assist them in reducing home energy use by retaining heat to stay warm and improve energy-efficiency to create year on year savings.

To be eligible for the fund, applicants need to be homeowner occupiers with an income of less than £30,000 (before tax and housing expenses). The homes will need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated D or below. An EPC can be provided if one is not available.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “I’m delighted to see this scheme return to Wolverhampton, it will make a huge difference to so many households.

“Making our homes energy efficient has never been more important as it is now, with people in the city and across the country facing the rising cost of living and the challenges that brings.

“These energy-saving improvements will help people who may be struggling to pay their heating bills and will help to make homes greener and more sustainable.

“I would encourage anyone who might be suitable for this scheme to apply and take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade the energy efficiency of their property.”

Representatives from Marches Energy Agency will be visiting Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, 191 Duncan Street off Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton WV2 3AJ on Sunday 7 August, from 9.30am until 1pm. Residents are invited to drop in and learn more about the scheme and find out how to apply. 

Details about eligibility, measures that are included within the scheme, and how to apply can be found at https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/green-grants

While this scheme is specifically aimed at homeowners in the Blakenhall area of the city, all city residents who meet the criteria can complete the application process so that they may be considered for future rounds.

City of Wolverhampton Council declared a 'climate emergency' in July 2019. In order to support national efforts to combat climate change City of Wolverhampton Council is committed to reducing its own carbon emissions by 95 per cent by 2028 and, following public consultation, has set the target of achieving the same results for the city by 2041, in line with the region.

To achieve this, every institution, business, and person will have to make changes to the way they conduct day-to-day activities, the energy we use, the way we travel, and the things we consume.

Image caption: Cllr Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing with the latest scheme information