Thanks to a government funding scheme to improve the energy performance of UK homes, Island residents can benefit from a share of £8.6million allocated for the whole of the Solent region.
Residents with a household income of less than £30,000 a year, or those who receive income-related benefits, could be eligible for home improvements of up to £10,000.
Home improvements could include measures such as solar panels, new insulation, double glazing or even a new front door; all with the goal to deliver sustainable warmth, reduce household energy bills and support the phasing out of fossil fuel heating as part of the UK’s commitment to net zero by 2050.
Energy efficiency consultancy and installer, City Energy, will be delivering the work on the Isle of Wight.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, cabinet lead on environment, heritage and waste management, said:
“Upgrading the Island’s housing stock is a crucial part of our commitment to support the wider Island to meet net-zero carbon by 2040.
“Building new homes with energy-efficient measures already installed is important, but much of the existing property here is of older design and can be expensive to keep warm.
“This government funding provides an important opportunity to help homeowners get a free upgrade.
Article continues below this advertisement “The health and wellbeing of our community will be directly affected by how the council and the island responds and adapts to a changing climate.
“Our time to take action is now and as a council, through support and key partnerships, we are already undertaking work to lower emissions.
“Island residents now have the chance to step up and do their bit – plus save some money on their fuel bills.
“If you think you might be eligible, you should fill out the application form and see if you could get up to £10,000 of energy-efficient home improvements, completely free.”
To find out more and see if you are eligible for the scheme, visit https://isleofwight-applications.com/.
Is this the “levelling up” people keep talking about, because it’s only levelling up home owners, and extending the in equality between renters and owners.
Housing shortage (for locals) == high prices. Anyone under 30 is screwed for buying a house. And the NIMBY that block any and all developments don’t care that you’re stuck in rental. They like seing their home value go up.
Good luck if applying. P.I.P doesn’t show as a benefit, and make sure your’e computer savvy and know how to upload all the proofs they ask for such as P60, bank statement etc
We’ve had solar panels on our new home for 8 years. They have never worked. Wired in and switched on. I know new homes need to be eco but at least make them work.
Be careful if having solar panels fitted, as can make selling IF the buyer needs a mortgage very tricky if your roof is leased to the company for a long while
Very true. If you can go for the ownership option. I would suggest only doing this if you plan to be in your home for many years. Takes a few years to pay back, but when it does, and with energy bills going up, it is a win win.
I put my own panels on my home minimal cost no contact and i can remove the if I decide to sell.
Research. You don’t need the buy contracts Diy. Its easy
I filled in the application on Sunday evening, mainly because i wanted to see if what they say is true. Monday lunchtime had an email confirming approval for the scheme on my income as not in receipt of any benefits and being under 30k on the island isn’t hard. A phone call soon followed, now an approved person is coming out to chat about what they can offer. This is the first time I’ve seen an income 30k mentioned, usually its only benefits or a much lower income so maybe they are realising the working person usually has less in their pockets than those claiming our hard earned taxes as an income,by the time they’ve robbed us in deductions.