Cornish homes to receive life-changing energy-saving upgrades

Last week Cornwall Council announced over 1,000 homes in the county are set to qualify for energy-saving upgrades.  

The local authority announced two government-funded schemes for improvements to homes including better insulation and solar panels. Residents of homes will the lowest-energy efficiency ratings will be the first to receive the upgrades – especially those in rural areas.

Councillor Olly Monk said the decision would ‘help make our residents’ homes warmer, cost less to run and reduce their impact on the planet.’

The larger pot of money, which is made up of £20.7m, known as the Home Upgrade grant has been set aside for 1,000 private homes in rural parts of Cornwall. Any homeowner or private tenant whose house has an energy performance certificate between band D and G and has a household income of less than £31,000 is eligible to apply.

Alongside this, an additional £4.26m is being made available for social housing energy efficiency improvements. Cornwall Council is investing £2.5m into the scheme, with the government contributing £1.76m.

Su Spence, Managing Director at Cornwall Housing, said: ‘The funding will be a great boost to our strategy in improving the quality of our homes so that all residents can live in a warm and low-cost property.’

Mat Moakes, from OVO Engery which is set to be delivering the upgrades, said: ‘Now, more than ever, the project are critical to supporting households during the cost-of-living crisis while also bringing down the carbon footprint of the home.’

Following the news, an estimated 200 homes managed by Cornwall Housing in Camelford, Millbrook, St Newlyn East, Port Isaac and Lanivet have been earmarked to receive upgrades from the £4.26m funding pot. 

Image: Benjamin Elliott