The government has launched a scheme to help millions of people across the country bring down their energy costs for this winter and beyond.
Under new plans, the new ECO+ scheme will extend support to those who do not currently benefit from any other government support to upgrade their homes. Joining the existing £6.6 billion ‘Help to Heat’ energy schemes, this new £1 billion funding will ensure hundreds of thousands more households benefit from new home insulation and with that, lower bills.
Of the £1 billion funding available through the new ECO+ scheme, around 80% of the funding will be made available for those households who are in some of the least energy-efficient homes in the country – that is, those with an EPC rating of D or below – and in the lower Council Tax bands.
This will benefit those households who do not currently benefit from any other government support to upgrade their homes. Around a fifth of the fund will also be targeted to those who are the most vulnerable, including those on means tested benefits or in fuel poverty.
In addition, the government will significantly expand its Help for Households campaign to help customers to reduce their own household energy usage and bills, while also giving vulnerable groups the right information for doing this without harming their health.
Commenting on the news, Stretford and Urmston Conservative by-election candidate. Emily Carter-Kandola said “The Conservative government’s new ECO+ scheme will help hundreds of local families to better insulate their homes to reduce consumption, with the added benefit of saving families hundreds of pounds each year.
“I would encourage eligible Stretford and Urmston households to consider taking up the funding to upgrade their homes. Residents can also find out about other help for households by visiting Help for Households - Get government cost of living support.”
