Grants in the Eden Council area (Boilers, Heat Pumps and Insulation) – Do you qualify? – 2023 Update
Eden Council has recently announced their support for the Energy Company Obligation scheme, providing grants for boilers, heat pumps and insulation in 2023. This is a great opportunity for local residents to reduce their energy costs, while also upgrading their homes to become more energy efficient. The grants are available to those who own their home or rent a property (with the landlord’s permission). Qualified applicants can receive funding from £7,000 up to £20,000 towards the cost of installing a new boiler, heat pump or insulation.
What grants are available in Eden?
Eden Council residents are now able to access all streams of the Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grant scheme.
This means that there is funding available for a wide range of energy efficiency measures, including boilers, heat pumps and insulation. The grants are very generous, and the scheme isn’t limited to people claiming benefits. You can now also qualify through other criteria such as having a low income, having a health condition and through being vulnerable. You can also qualify through receiving benefits, including Child Benefit (more about that below!).
If you are already asking ‘do I qualify for a grant?’ you can skip ahead by completing our scheme enquiry form. If you’d like more info first, read on to see how you can qualify for a grant (it could be a few minutes well spent, as the grants are worth thousands of pounds and include a range of energy-efficiency options).
What’s changed for 2023?
Eden Council have published new details of how council residents can access grants, which means that a wider range of households can access the grants. They have done this through publishing a Statement of Intent at https://www.eden.gov.uk/media/6296/statement_of_intent_eco4_edc_signed.pdf
They were one of the first councils to publish details on 1st July 2022, and this means that throughout 2023 anyone who meets not only the benefits rules, but also anyone who is vulnerable, suffering with health-conditions or on a low-income can access funding.
What does Eden 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 plans to improve the homes of those in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the cold.”
What involvement does Eden Council have?
Eden Council will provide written confirmation to the energy supplier or their installer, stating that a resident meets the local criteria. The Council advise that it is the energy company and/or installer that will make the final decision on whether they can provide funding for heating or insulation. The council have a defined list of Registered Installers that they work with, and we are pleased to be one of those. You can apply for a grant directly with us, and we will liaise with the energy company and/or council on your behalf.
Eligibility criteria for grants
There are a few different ways that you can qualify for boiler, insulation and heat pump grants. The main ways to qualify are through having a health-condition, being vulnerable, being on a low-income or through receiving benefits. the following are the criteria for each of the main categories:
Health-conditions made worse by living in a cold home
If you have a health condition that is made worse by living in a cold home, you may be eligible for a grant to help. Because Eden Council have now supported the scheme, if you have a health condition you could be eligible for both home insulation and energy-efficient heating systems, such as boilers and heat pumps. To be eligible for a grant, you must meet certain criteria related to your health condition, and your GP will need to complete a declaration to this effect.
Vulnerable households
If you meet two of the following criteria, you can qualify through being vulnerable
- If your home is in a Lower-layer Super Output Area (if you aren’t sure we can check this for you)
- If you receive Council Tax rebate (excluding single person rebates)
- If anyone living at the property is vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance. These would include households with an elderly person, young children, and people with disabilities.
- If you receive free school meals due to low-income
- If you are being supported by a council scheme, targeting low income and vulnerable households
- If you have been referred for support by an energy supplier or Citizen’s Advice, because you have been identified as struggling with electricity or gas bills
You’ll need to complete a declaration form to confirm that you meet the rules, and you might need to provide additional evidence so that the installer can submit it with the application.
Income-based eligibility
If your annual household income is less than £31,000 you can apply through the ‘income-based’ route. You’ll need to provide evidence to support the application, including 3 months bank statements, and income evidence such as a self assessment submission, P60 or a pension letter.
Receiving benefits
If you or anyone in your household is in receipt of one of the following benefits, you can qualify through the benefits route:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income-based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income-related)
- Pension Credit (either Savings Credit or Guarantee Credit)
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
There are no income rules if you claim one of the benefits above and you don’t need to be currently claiming, providing you have been in receipt of an eligible benefit in the 12 months prior to the installation.
Receiving Child Benefit
If you claim Child Benefit you could qualify for a grant. However, unlike the other benefits, if you only receive Child Benefit you’ll also need to meet the following income rules:
Single parent families
1 Child maximum income limit is £19900
2 Children maximum income limit is £24800
3 Children maximum income limit is £29600
4+ Children maximum income limit is £34500
Families with two parents
1 Child maximum income limit is £27500
2 Children maximum income limit is £32300
3 Children maximum income limit is £37200
4+ Children maximum income limit is £42000
Bespoke targeting
There is one final way to qualify, and that is through ‘bespoke targeting’ – if you qualify though this route you will usually be contacted directly.
Types of grants available
Non-condensing boiler upgrade grants
If you have an old non-condensing boiler that is costing you an arm and leg, you should apply for a grant. Non-condensing boilers can be upgraded for free under the scheme, and you may also qualify for fully-funded heating controls, a smart thermostat, and in many cases insulation and ventilation installed at the same time (also for free).
High heat retention storage heater grants with Solar PV
If you have old and inefficient storage heaters, there are grants to encourage residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. One type of grant available is for high heat retention storage heaters with Solar PV. This grant is available to residents who have an existing storage heater that is not high heat retention, and you could get a new Solar PV system installed at the same time. The grant will cover the full cost of the installation if your property is eligible.
Central heating grants (mains gas)
There are generous central heating grants available for those who have never had gas central heating previously. The scheme offers fully funded gas central heating up to 100% of the cost per household towards the installation. This includes the cost and the installation of a new gas boiler, radiators and installation. If your home isn’t insulated, that will be included too (for free). It’s important to note, gas central heating grants are only available for properties that had a gas line and gas meter in place prior to 31 March 2021.
Heat pump grants
There are a number of grants available for heat pumps in the Eden Council area. If you are eligible for the Energy Company Obligation scheme, the grants provide financial incentive for the installation of renewable heat technologies (including heat pumps). If you aren’t eligible for ECO, there is another grant scheme called the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that provides £5,000 towards the installation.
How to apply for grants in Eden
The grant application process is simple and easy, and it could mean that you are eligible for thousands of pounds of free home improvements. Here’s what you need to do in order to apply for a grant in Eden:
- 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 may be eligible for
- 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)
Apply now using our scheme enquiry form at https://www.ecoproviders.co.uk/eco4-grant-application-form
In conclusion, Eden Council’s announcement of their support for the Energy Company Obligation in 2023 is a positive step towards addressing energy bills and reducing carbon emissions within the borough. The grants can help local residents invest in more sustainable ways to heat their homes, reduce their bills, and lessen their impact on the environment. It is clear that this initiative will bring many benefits to the local area, and now all residents are able to take advantage of the opportunity to access these grants.