More than 1,000 social and privately owned homes affected by problems such as poor-quality insulation and ineffective heating systems have been upgraded since North Yorkshire Council was formed in April 2023.
The authority has focused on the homes most in need across the county, installing air source heat pumps, solar panels and bolstering insulation to help residents to use less energy, save on their heating bills, and cut carbon emissions.
Many of the properties that have received upgrades are in rural areas where homes are often older and have poor insulation – including in villages around Harrogate, Malton and Northallerton.
Low-income households living in privately owned homes are now being encouraged to apply for the latest rollout of energy-saving improvements as part of the Government’s Warm Homes Local Grant scheme.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said:
Some of our most vulnerable residents live in the worst-insulated and most expensive-to-heat homes in the entire county.
Residents should not be paying excessive amounts simply to keep warm. That’s why we will continue upgrading both our social and privately owned properties, so people can lower their energy usage and in turn save money on their bills.
The Warm Homes Local Grant is one of a number of schemes we are supporting to help improve homes that are affected by heat loss, poor ventilation and out-of-date heating systems.
These improvements are simple and effective, and can provide significant benefits to homes and the lives of our residents. Our commitment is there, we now want people to apply for the funding.
The council has received about £6 million in government funding through the Warm Homes Local Fund scheme to help low-income households living in privately owned homes receive free energy-saving improvements.
Tenants living in privately rented homes may also be eligible for the upgrades if the landlord supports their application.
The latest wave of funding forms part of the authority’s wider commitment to improving the energy efficiency of both its own housing stock and private households across the county.
Last year, the council secured a further £22 million and pledged an additional £19 million from its own reserves to upgrade more than 1,900 homes through the Government’s Warm Homes Local Grant and Warm Homes Social Housing Fund.
The investment looks to build on the 1,000 social and privately owned homes that have already improved across North Yorkshire since April 2023. They have been funded through previous Government schemes and the council’s own contributions.
Among the residents to have benefited is Kirkby Fleetham homeowner David Fielding.
The 74-year-old previously heated his home with oil but is now a proud advocate for cleaner energy after his home was fitted with an air source heat pump, solar panels and improved loft insulation in August 2024.
David said:
I’ve been really impressed with everything. The environmental aspect was a big draw – we’re wrecking the planet and need to do something about it. The new system in my house was a bit more expensive to run in the winter, but I was spending £80 a month on oil which is obviously a huge saving.
The work was carried out quickly and efficiently, there was a lot done in a short period of time, but my house was put back exactly as it was – there really was nothing to complain about. I would recommend anyone to look at schemes like this, see if it’s right for them, and if it is then go for it.
The Warm Homes Local Grant scheme is open to low-income households living in privately owned homes, as well as tenants in privately rented homes.
If you are eligible for the scheme and your application is successful, a home energy survey will be carried out to check which measures are most appropriate. A plan and timeline for improvements will then be agreed, followed by installation.
To check your eligibility and register your interest, visit North Yorkshire Council’s website at www.northyorks.gov.uk/whlg
