Funding to tackle fuel poverty announced

Updated: 11 February 2021

Residents in Three Rivers, Hertsmere and Watford are in line for free energy improvements over the course of this year following successful funding bids totalling almost £2.7 million.

Residents in Three Rivers, Hertsmere and Watford are in line for free energy improvements over the course of this year following successful funding bids totalling almost £2.7 million.

Thanks to a Government Green Homes Grant of £920,000 secured by Three Rivers District Council and Hertsmere Borough Council, and a further £1.758 million secured by Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council, owners and tenants in more than 300 energy inefficient homes will be offered the chance to have home improvement measures, such as external wall insulation, floor insulation and high retention storage heaters installed in their properties.

The measures, worth up to £10,000 per household, could help residents save up to £500 on their energy bills per year. For landlords of qualifying households, grants will be available for measures worth up to £5,000.

The funding represents an important next step towards tackling fuel poverty, reducing energy use and lowering carbon emissions for all three local authorities. The councils have committed to achieving zero carbon emissions in their regions no later than 2050.

Councillor Phil Williams, Lead Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability at Three Rivers District Council said: "This is brilliant news! Not only will this help reduce emissions from local homes and help us to achieve the net-zero carbon targets we have set to address climate change, but it will also help fuel poverty.

"Helping to improve the energy efficiency of lower-income homes with low energy ratings will reduce energy bills at a time when many are struggling financially."

Councillor Seamus Quilty, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Hertsmere, said: “This initiative is a wonderful opportunity for dozens of eligible householders to reduce their bills and help make sure their homes are as warm and comfortable as they can be.

“However, the pay-offs are greater than that even. This initiative will help us as a borough reduce our carbon footprint and move a step closer to achieving our commitment to tackling climate change.

“By making these significant improvements to local homes, we will help tackle fuel poverty, bring down carbon emissions and ultimately, benefit everyone in the future."

Cllr Tim Williams, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Sustainability at Watford Borough Council, said: “This is wonderful news. It is clear what a real difference insulation makes to residents everyday lives, so we are delighted that we will be able to provide external wall insulation to many more homes as a result of this funding.

"Not only will the insulation improve the lives of our residents but it will also provide a greener energy solution, so it’s a win-win!”

All three councils will soon be publishing further information on how to access funding for home improvements.