The upcoming introduction of the Labour Government’s Warm Homes Plan could be set to revolutionise how we heat our homes.
The plan aims to tackle the twin challenges of energy price rises and climate change head-on by upgrading the energy efficiency of 5 million homes over the next five years.
Here's what we know so far about the Warm Homes Plan, the grants that have been announced so far and who could be set to take advantage of it.
What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is a government-led effort to enhance the energy efficiency of homes across the UK, targeting up to 300,000 homes in 2025 alone.
By upgrading insulation, encouraging heat pump installations, and supporting cleaner energy, the plan seeks to lower energy bills while reducing carbon emissions.
Part of a broader commitment to making Britain a clean energy superpower, the plan complements other programs, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Clean Heat Market Mechanism that aim to simplify and fund heat pump installations.
Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: "The idea at the heart of our Warm Homes Plan is a simple one – all families deserve the security of a home they can afford to heat.
"But for too long, that has been out of reach for far too many people who have been left with draughty homes and sky-high bills. That is why we are taking immediate action today to make cleaner heating available to more households."
What grants are available?
The Warm Homes Plan provides several funding options to assist homeowners, renters and social housing residents, including:
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Homeowners can access £7,500 grants to install air source heat pumps or ground source heat pumps, which are more energy-efficient alternatives to gas boilers.
- Local Grant Programme: Administered by local councils, this programme aims to fund home energy upgrades such as insulation and low-carbon heating for vulnerable or low-income households.
- Social Housing Fund: This policy sets out funding to improve insulation and heating systems in social housing properties.
Additionally, the government has increased funding for these programs, allocating £295 million to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for the next financial year.
Who is eligible?
So far the eligibility criteria for all of the grants has not been announced yet but the programme is said to be designed to benefit a broad range of households, such as:
- Low-income and vulnerable households: Individuals on lower incomes, the elderly, disabled and families with young children may qualify for free or low-cost upgrades through the Local Grant Program.
- Homeowners: Those looking to transition to heat pumps can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, provided their home meets the necessary insulation and technical requirements.
- Renters and social housing residents: The Social Housing Fund supports energy efficiency improvements in rental properties, ensuring warmer homes and lower bills.
The Warm Homes Plan aims to address rising heating costs and environmental concerns, promising improved living standards and support for sustainable energy solutions.
While the plan has not yet been officially announced, we’re closely monitoring developments and will keep you updated as more details emerge. Stay tuned for the latest updates on to see how you could benefit.
