UK householders can claim free cash to cut their energy bills this winter
Free cash is available to cut your energy bills this winter by providing improvements to your home. HUG2 is a government-funded scheme that offers the free installation of loft and wall insulation, solar panels, double glazing, energy-efficient doors and low-carbon heating such as heat pumps to help struggling families lower their fuel costs.
Birmingham City Council posted a message on X to raise awareness of the initiative and says it is working with West Midlands Combined Authority and Act on Energy to offer energy-efficiency support to qualifying residents. HUG2 - which stands for Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 - is designed to help people in lower-income homes who don't have mains gas central heating.
The council says funding has been allocated to the scheme by central government. To check if you qualify, a free survey is carried out to look at your home's energy efficiency and identify the measures that could be provided.
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If you own your home and live in it, the work is carried out for free - you won't have to move out while it's being done and contractors will try to minimise any disruption. Landlords who have up to four properties (inclusive) can also apply but will need to make at least a 33 per cent contribution towards the cost of the improvements.
The city council said: "There are many postcode areas in Birmingham, Sandwell, Dudley and Rugby which the Government has classified as 'income exempt' for the Home Upgrade Grant. We will check this and if you live in one of these areas, we will not need to ask you for any proof of income.
"However in the majority of cases, the combined household income must be £36,000 or less to be eligible. We will require proof of this (bank statement/payslip/benefit letter/P60 or alternative proof) to process your application. We may also need some proof that you own or rent the home.
"West Midland Combined Authority's appointed contractors will carry out the work. If you live in Birmingham or Sandwell, this will be Next Energy and if you live in Dudley or Rugby it will be Everwarm Ltd. All construction work for the Home Upgrade Grant programme must be completed by the end of March 2025."
Properties will need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G to be eligible for a Home Upgrade Grant. If your home does not have an EPC, this will be established when the energy assessor comes round to carry out the initial survey.
More information is available from WMCA's energy efficiency team on 07385 117549 or by emailing Hug2@WMCA.org.uk
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