‘The coldest room is now the warmest thanks to council grant’

Steve, a 72-year-old from South Oxhey, received fully funded improvements to his home under Three Rivers District Council’s Warm Homes Local Grant scheme - a government grant aimed at improving the energy performance of the least energy efficient homes.

The grant covered the cost of a range of upgrades to Steve’s home, including loft insulation and external wall insulation. “The grant has helped us greatly,” Steve explained. “I haven’t hesitated to tell as many people as I can about the grant that I received and the benefit it has given me.”

Since the insulation upgrades were completed, Steve noted the immediate difference in the warmth of his home. He said: “Traditionally, our living room is the coldest room – or one of the coldest rooms – in the house. We definitely noticed while sitting here in the evening that the room is warmer than it would normally be at this time of year.”

The grant-funded improvements raised the energy performance rating (EPC) of Steve’s house from a D rating to a C rating, and are estimated to save more than £200 per year on the household’s energy bills.

Joanna Hewitson, Three Rivers District Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Manager, said: “Steve’s story highlights the real-world value of energy efficiency improvements - it isn’t just about reducing the environmental impact of homes; it’s about improving health and quality of life. More comfortable homes, lower energy costs, and healthier living conditions make a real difference for households. With energy bills likely to continue to rise due to global events, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the funding available to make your home more energy efficient, and secure long-term savings on your bills.”

Homeowners and privately renting residents can access the Warm Homes Local Grant if they live in a property with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G, and have a household income under £36,000, or someone in the household receives means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit.

Under the grant, eligible households can receive free energy-saving upgrades worth thousands including wall, loft, and underfloor insulation, solar panels, heat pumps, heating controls, double glazing and more.

Residents who think they may qualify can complete a simple online application form https://www.bhbh.org.uk/make-a-referral/ or call the National Energy Foundation on their free helpline 0800 107 0044.

For more information about the Warm Homes Local Grant, please visit: www.threerivers.gov.uk/warm-homes.