Residents of Stone and its surrounding villages, who aren’t connected to mains gas, are set to benefit from a significant funding boost to improve home energy efficiency, thanks to Staffordshire County Council.
The home upgrade grant
The newly unveiled Home Upgrade Grant offers households not connected to the gas mains access to a free air source heat pump, insulation, and solar panel installation. This is great news for qualifying households in Stone and the nearby villages.
Staffordshire County Council and community home solutions, a beneficial collaboration
The scheme, managed by Staffordshire County Council in partnership with Community Home Solutions, is now open to households with an annual income under £31,000. Those households where someone claims a means-tested benefit may also qualify. The council encourages homeowners and tenants in off-gas homes within Stone and neighbouring villages to apply.
Simon Tagg, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change at Staffordshire County Council, shared his delight about the secured funds. He stated,
“We are delighted to secure £10.5 million to support our residents in improving the energy efficiency of their homes.
“The Home Upgrade Grant is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and reducing energy consumption. By providing free air source heat pumps, solar panels and insulation, we aim to create a greener, more comfortable living environment for our communities.”
The Home Upgrade Grant extends the Staffordshire Warmer Homes scheme, which has already benefited over 750 households countywide, including residents of Stone and its surrounding areas.
Kevin Leese from Featherstone was supported through the Staffordshire Warmer Homes scheme in a previous round of funding to get an Air Source Heat Pump installed in his home. He said:
“Everyone is worried about the cost-of-living crisis. It is something we all worry about, so having the heat pump installed gives me a great deal of comfort.”
Annette Burrows from Burntwood was also supported in a previous round of funding and had free solar panels installed in her home. She said:
“It has put my mind at rest having the solar panels, especially with how things are turning out with the cost of living. I am quite reassured that my bills won’t be as high.”
Urgent Call for Applications
The £10.5 million funding allocation for the Home Upgrade Grant will span over two years, with the scheme concluding in March 2025. Given the limited funds, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stone’s residents and those from the surrounding villages are urged to act promptly. To apply and verify your eligibility, visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/warmerhomes. Potential applicants can also find testimonials from previous beneficiaries on the site.
