Staffordshire residents offered help making homes greener to cut energy bills

Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities said the council wants to make sure that people are aware of the support and advice available.

“With the cost of living rising, we know that many households will struggle this winter but I want to remind people that there is help and support and great schemes such as this available" said Councillor Wilson.

“Getting help early can make a big difference and our campaign will help people find information, advice and support to help them manage those cost of living pressures. We’ll be signposting people to a range of support on things like money and bills, food and essentials, staying warm and helping others.”

The £5.6m Staffordshire Warmer Homes scheme will help residents on low incomes to heat their homes for less, using greener and more energy-efficient solutions.

Since 2019, the scheme has installed over 450 free heating solutions into over 400 homes. Over 91 per cent of these homes have increased the property's energy efficiency, saving residents more than £650,000 in home heating bills.

The new phase of the scheme, launching this week will focus on getting green energy solutions into Staffordshire homes. This includes things like solar panels, air source heat pumps, external wall insulation, underfloor heating and other insulation measures.

Annette Burrows, from Burntwood, had solar panels and loft insolation installed at her house.

Annette said: “I remember seeing the scheme advertised on Facebook but when it mentioned you could get free heating systems installed in your house I actually thought it was too good to be true. When the adviser came out to assess what would be best for me as well as having the loft insulation, he also said I could get solar panels, which would help generate my own electricity.

“The whole process was fairly straightforward and I’m really pleased with the results. While I’m still concerned about the rising energy costs, I now feel in a better position than I would have been in.”

Paul Northcott, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet support member for public health and integrated care said: “At a time when many families are struggling with rising energy costs, it’s vital that we do what we can to help them.

“The Staffordshire Warmer Homes scheme is a great initiative that’s not only helping households save money on energy bills but because of the greener options is helping improve the environment too.

“We’ve been pleased with the success of the scheme so far having helped over 400 local families."

Applications are now open and people can find out more and apply online at staffordshirewarmerhomes.co.uk