Sadiq Khan and London Councils have joined forces to deliver ‘Warmer Homes London’.
The new scheme is also set to be rolled out in partnership with London boroughs and housing associations to make homes across the capital cheaper to run, warmer and more energy efficient.
Up until Warmer Homes London was launched, boroughs had to apply for funding individually if they wanted to retrofit their properties, however now the Mayor of London is set to invest almost £10million over four years through the new programme.
In a nutshell, this scheme is yet another stab at attempting to help thousands of Londoners save money on their energy bills – it is due to provide better insulation, replacing of fossil fuel heating and the introduction of heat pumps.
What’s more, locals most affected by fuel poverty are said to reap the most benefits from the scheme. Social landlords, low-income owner occupiers and low-income private tenants have a chance to access the opportunity.
‘Londoners have been struggling for years with sky-high energy bills,’ Sadiq Khan said. ‘Warmer Homes London will help Londoners save money on their bills by making their homes more energy efficient and cheaper to heat.
‘By working in close collaboration with local councils and housing associations, Warmer Homes London will enable us to upgrade more homes and do it more quickly, avoiding unnecessarily long wait times for home improvement works.
‘Making our homes more energy efficient is a priority for me, but also the new government. Through this new initiative we will be able to unlock more national funding from the Government for homes in London. Together, we can build a better, safer and greener London for everyone.’
As it stands, London’s homes are responsible for one third of the capital’s carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, in social rented homes with poor energy efficiency, 56% of households are living in fuel poverty – suggesting the importance of implementing the new scheme sooner rather than later.
Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils, added: ‘With 379,000 households in London living in fuel poverty, taking action to make homes in our city warmer and more energy efficient is vital for our residents’ health, wellbeing and finances.
‘Warmer Homes London will bring together London boroughs, the Mayor of London, housing associations and government to drive this work forward. It aims to unlock millions of pounds of investment to deliver improvements to tens of thousands of homes across London, making them more energy efficient, reducing their environmental impact and saving Londoners money on their bills.’
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