Calderdale Council residents – New Grant Scheme Available – Update 2023

Good news for Calderdale Council residents! In an exciting update, the Council has announced their support for the ECO4 Flex scheme. This marks an important step forward for local residents, and provides them with greater access to financial support from the $4 Billion government grant scheme. The scheme will offer grants to help eligible homeowners within Calderdale to access grants to improve the energy-efficiency rating of their homes.

What grants are available in Calderdale?

We are currently urging all Calderdale Council residents to see if they can get any financial help to improve the energy efficiency of their home. There are a number of grants to check eligibility for, including the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), and the Great British Insulation Scheme (expected to start in the summer of 2023). These initiatives have been designed to help households save money on their energy bills, while also reducing their carbon emissions. These grants provide financial support for better insulation and heating, helping to make homes more energy efficient and comfortable. Calderdale residents can get grants for heat pumps, boiler upgrades and solar measures, as well as a range of insulation measures under the grant options available. With the help of these schemes, households in the Calderdale area can save money and keep their energy bills at more manageable levels.

What’s changed for 2023?

Calderdale Council published a Statement of Intent for the grant scheme on 10th November 2022 and it can be found on the Council’s website at https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/sites/default/files/CMBC-eco4-statement-of-Intent-nov-2022.pdf

Because the Council has published their Statement of Intent, this means that vulnerable, low-income households and anyone with health issues could now access grants where they weren’t able to previously.

This means that applications for funding can be submitted now and throughout 2023 – so now is the time to check if you are eligible for these grants, and if so, apply!

What does Calderdale Council say about the grants?

The Council says “The Council welcomes the introduction of the ECO4 Flex eligibility routes as it helps the Council achieve its aims to lower carbon emissions and improve the homes of those in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the cold.”

The Council says “We work with energy companies, installers and customers to maximise the input of Flexible Eligibility ECO on fuel poor households. However, meeting the criteria of the statement of intent does not guarantee a household will benefit from energy saving improvements. The final decision on funding rests with energy suppliers and will depend on:

The survey carried out and installation costs calculated;

the energy savings that can be achieved for a property;

and whether suppliers have achieved their ECO targets or require further measures to meet their ECO targets. (This will affect the amount of funding available through the scheme).”

What involvement does Calderdale Council have?

Calderdale Council sign declarations for installers if applicants are applying through the ECO 4 Flex routes (health-related, vulnerable and low-income). They don’t process or administer the grants or decide who is eligible. The installer requests a declaration from the council once they have assessed an application. Installers submit the request for a declaration to the Council’s Housing Energy Action Team, and they will complete customer declaration and installer application forms on your behalf. The installer has to evidence eligibility for the grant by providing evidence such as utility bills and GP referrals. Once the application is submitted, the council provide confirmation of eligibility that allows the installer to continue with the application.

Eligibility criteria for grants

You can qualify for grants through:

• Health conditions such as heart, mobility or other conditions
• Being vulnerable
• Having a household income less than £31,000 per year
• Claiming benefits

There’s more information about the different eligibility criteria on Calderdale Council’s Statement of Intent at https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/sites/default/files/CMBC-eco4-statement-of-Intent-nov-2022.pdf

Types of grants available

• Boiler grants (update non-condensing boilers to A-rated condensing boilers)
• Heat pump grants (there are a range of heat pump grant options)
• Insulation (there are a range of insulation options)
• High heat retention storage heaters (electric properties only)
• Solar panels (for homes not connected to mains gas)

How to apply for a grant in Calderdale

Here’s what you need to do in order to apply for a grant in Calderdale:

Step one – Apply for a grant with a Registered Installer that has access to funding

Step two – The installer will advise regarding what types of grants you could access

Step three – If the installer thinks you meet eligibility requirements, then it’s time to move onto gathering all necessary documentation (for example, energy bills and proof of eligibility)

Step four – Your installation will be arranged for a convenient time (usually within a few weeks of all the documentation being provided)

In conclusion, Calderdale Council residents can now access the Government Energy Company Obligation grants, which has been made possible through the Council’s support of the ECO4 Flex scheme. These grants improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in Calderdale, whilst providing local households with financial support. It is an important step forward that highlights the Council’s commitment to making sure its residents have access to all the resources and support they need.