energy efficiency grants from the government

Government grants are available across the UK for those on benefits or low incomes, to help tackle the problem of fuel poverty (homes which can’t afford to keep themselves warm). The schemes are known as Warm Front in England, Warm Deal in Scotland, the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in Wales and the Warm Homes Scheme in Northern Ireland. Warm Deal in Scotland is administered by Scottish Gas whereas the others are all managed by Eaga.

warm front (england)
The Warm Front grant offers a range of insulation and heating measures up to £2,700 or £4,000 (if oil central heating is needed), and includes amongst others: loft and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and central heating repairs and replacements.

warm deal (scotland)
Warm Deal is managed by Scottish Gas and will provide up to £500 towards loft and cavity wall insulation, tank and pipe lagging, draught proofing, low energy light bulbs and energy advice.

home energy efficiency scheme (HEES) (wales)
The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme offers a range of grants for various home improvements:
- up to £2,000 for those on benefits
- up to £3,600 via the HEES Plus scheme if you are over 60 and on benefits
- up to £5,000 if oil central heating is also part of the package
- £500 for over 60s who are not on benefits
- over 80s automatically qualify for HEES Plus regardless of their benefit status.

warm homes (northern ireland)
Warm Homes offer up to £850 for home efficiency measures including insulation and reflective radiator panels for solid walls, and up to £2,700 under Warm Homes Plus aimed at over 60s.

scottish executive central heating programme (scotland)
If you live in Scotland and you or your partner are over 60, and you don’t have any central heating at all, you may be able to qualify for Scottish Executive’s central heating programme . The programme will provide a central heating system, loft and cavity wall insulation, tank and pipe insulation, a smoke alarm, cold alarm, carbon monoxide detector, and low energy light bulbs as well as energy advice, and a benefits check to make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. All completely free.

grants for londoners
Those living in the capital can take advantage of discounted home insulation as well as £100 cash back courtesy of the Mayor of London . Those on benefits may be able to get free insulation, and there is also an interest-free loan available to help spread the cost.

Many councils run their own local schemes so it is well worth checking with your own to see what’s available.

Last Updated ( Monday, 20 August 2007 )