Green energy schemes and grants

Watford Borough Council has secured Warm Homes Local Grant funding with Three Rivers District Council, from the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Who is involved?

In addition to Three Rivers District Council, we are working alongside the National Energy Foundation (the managing agent) to deliver grants to eligible residents.

What is the grant for?

The Warm Homes Local Grant scheme aims to help the country achieve its net-zero carbon goal, while also helping households save money on their energy bills and live in healthy, comfortable homes.This scheme offers eligible households fully funded energy efficiency improvements worth up to £30,000 per eligible home.  

Energy efficiency measures funded by the Grant may include:

• wall, loft and underfloor insulation
• heating controls
• draught-proofing
• double or triple glazing
• solar photovoltaic panels
• heat pumps,

These measures will help your home use less energy and feel more comfortable.

Who is eligible for the funding?

Privately owned and privately rented households living in properties with EPC ratings of D, E, F or G, may be eligible for the Warm Homes Local Grant if they meet any of the three qualification routes below:

• Means-tested benefits: A member of the household is in receipt of a means-tested benefit:
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit (savings and guarantee)
  • Universal Credit
• Household income: The household’s gross annual income is below £36,000 per year (inclusive of tax). The income of every adult member of the household counts towards the income threshold, except for those in full-time education.

Apply for funding to upgrade your home

If you think you may qualify for Warm Homes Local Grant funding, please contact the National Energy Foundation:

• By phone: 0800 107 0044 (free to call, weekdays 9am-5pm)
• By email: bhbh@nef.org.uk (Please give your full name, address and phone number in your email to enable one of the National Energy Foundation advisors to contact you.)
• Apply online: www.bhbh.org.uk/make-a-referral/

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is an EPC rating?

EPC refers to an Energy Performance Certificate, which measures the energy efficiency of a property on a scale of A-G (with ‘A’ having the highest energy efficiency, and G having the worst energy efficiency).

I do not know what my EPC rating is, how can I check?

If you do not know the EPC rating of your property, you can check this online using your postcode.

If your property cannot be found on the website, it is likely your property does not have an EPC rating. This is common where a property has not been sold or let in recent years.

My home does not have an EPC rating. Can I take part?

If your home has not been let or sold recently, it may not have an EPC rating. The EPC rating for a property can also be out of date if changes have been made to the property since it was last assessed.

You may still be able to take part if your property does not have an EPC. Please contact our partner, the National Energy Foundation.

I am a private landlord or a privately renting tenant, can I benefit from the Warm Homes Local Grant funding?

Yes, if the privately rented property has an EPC D-G rating, and the tenant meets the eligibility criteria, private landlords may receive fully funded upgrades to their first property, and any subsequent eligible rented properties owned by the landlord may receive 50% grant funding towards upgrades, with a 50% cost contribution from the landlord.

I live in a park home, can I benefit from the Warm Homes Local Grant funding?

Residents living in park homes or caravans used as a permanent dwelling can access Warm Homes Local Grant funding if the caravan has a poor energy performance rating (equivalent to EPC D-G), and the household meets the eligibility criteria.

Will I be asked to contribute towards the cost of the home improvements?

No, owner occupiers and privately renting tenants are not required to make any contributions to the cost of upgrades under this scheme.

Where a private landlord wishes to access the grant funding for more than one of their rented properties, they will be expected to contribute at least 50% towards the cost of the upgrades after the first fully-funded property.

Do you have to pay back the grant?

No, you don't have to pay back the grant. The funding is provided by the Government to help the UK meet its zero-carbon targets.

Privacy Notice

Please find the Privacy Notice for the Warm Homes Local Grant scheme from the funding body (DESNZ) here and from Watford Borough Council here.