Home improvement funds available for Calderdale residents

Better Homes Yorkshire, launched in 2015, is offering up to £4,500 of grant funding to improve the energy efficiency of attic rooms in the Calderdale district.

The scheme is being organised in the area as a partnership between the local authority and local green home improvement experts Eclipse Energy.

Since its founding, Better Homes Yorkshire has, in partnership with local businesses, installed measures in over 5,000 homes in the area.

These range from cavity wall insulation and attic insulation to new boilers.

Typically, in partnership with a local firm, Halifax based energy efficiency specialists Eclipse Energy were chosen to install the attic insulation measures.

Unlike previous programmes, this select funding will cover the entire costs of the works, provided that the homeowner or tenant has evidence that they have low income or are on income related benefits.

The amount of funding available is enough to improve 120 homes in the district.

Managing director of Eclipse Energy, Mark Bannister, said: “It’s not often that we see a scheme that provides for the entire cost of such significant works, so we are expecting a lot of demand for this. As such, we would encourage anybody looking to make their home more energy efficient get in touch as soon as possible because this will go quickly.

“This funding will go towards those who need it most and who could not usually afford to have this done themselves. It is an incredibly positive example of the work the local authority is doing to tackle fuel poverty and improve the lives of people in our area.”

The funding is currently available for homeowners or tenants on low income or income related benefits, and those looking to receive further information are encouraged to contact either the local authority or Eclipse Energy.

Steve Batty, framework director for Better Homes Yorkshire, said: “We’re proud to be carrying out energy efficiency work across the Leeds City Region; the funding that’s been secured can really make a difference to people’s lives and living conditions.

“In today’s society, nobody should have to sit at home cold because they either have no form of heating in their homes or can’t afford to heat their home.

“I would encourage anybody who is struggling with the costs of heating their home to give us a call to see if there is anything Better Homes Yorkshire can do to help.”