Mayor of London to grant further £43m to insulate homes

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today committed a further £43m to his Warmer Homes programme to help citizens heat their homes amid the cost of living crisis.

Around 45,000 low-income households will be able to apply for grants between £5,000 to £25,000 to go towards improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

The grants will go towards various measures, such as heat pumps, insulation for walls, lofts and floors, heating system improvements and repairs, draughtproofing and solar panels.

With energy bills predicted to rise by £800 in October, it’s hoped the scheme will go some way to support those facing fuel poverty.

Mr Khan said: ‘It’s unacceptable that many Londoners can’t afford to keep their homes warm, instead suffering cold, damp conditions throughout winter. With the unprecedented cost of living crisis and soaring energy prices, I am particularly concerned about those on lower incomes whose energy bills are likely to take up a larger share of their outgoings.     

‘That’s why today I’m committing a further £43m of funding through my Warmer Homes programme, which will help low-income households make their homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run and build a better London for everyone.  I’m proud to be helping deliver long term solutions to avoid future crises and protect Londoners in stark contrast the Governments short-term sticking plaster approach.’

The Mayor also welcomed the introduction of the windfall tax on energy companies, but said he believes the government must do more to help those on low income.

He suggested the universal credit uplift of £20 a week be restored and said benefits should be increased by the actual level of inflation.

£20m has been delivered through the scheme since 2018, which also offers a fuel poverty advice service and has supported 14,700 households across all London boroughs.

Through the Fuel Poverty Partnership, the Mayor is also working with experts in health, social justice and environment sectors to address fuel poverty in London.

In related news, council housebuilding in London has reached record-breaking figures this year, as statistics show work has begun on 4,946 council homes in the 2021/22 financial year.

Photo by Stock Birken