Gateshead Council to bid for energy efficiency cash for hundreds of homes

Gateshead Council is poised to bid for extra cash to help make hundreds of homes more energy efficient.

Gateshead Council bosses have been recommended to approve a nearly £1.5m bid from the 'Warm Homes Social Housing Fund' to boost energy efficiency and reduce bills in social housing.

The cash application, which needs to be submitted before November 25, is intended to help around 146 homes with the installation of energy-saving measures including solar panels and new roofs on multi-storey blocks.

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The council will also stump up £3.7m from its own funds to help 60 homes between 2025/26 and 86 homes in 2026/27.

This funding is only available for homes rated D or below on the energy performance certificate.

Gateshead chiefs are also expected to approve an additional bid from the 'Warm Homes Local Grant' to secure cash for privately owned and rented properties.

The potential funding could allow for up to £15,000 per home to help with energy performance and £15,000 for low-carbon hearing methods, for around 150 homes on the Old Fold and Nest House estate. The council also aims to secure funding for a wider pool of measures, including solar panels and low-carbon heating systems for between 100-200 private properties elsewhere in Gateshead.

This scheme, distinct from the social housing fund, is based on fully funded measures, with no cash contributions required from residents or the local authority. Eligibility for the scheme includes properties in areas of deprivation, receiving means-tested benefits or a gross annual income of below £36,000 after household costs.

The cabinet will gather at 10am on Tuesday, November 19, at Gateshead Civic Centre to decide on the bids.

The bids form part of a consortium, managed by the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub, funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and all North Eastern councils.