Energy efficiency schemes help homeowners to reduce expenses
An energy scheme for property owners was approved in Redditch. It aims to help those householders, who wish to undertake energy efficiency measures at their homes. Similar programs are also developed over all the country.
Energy efficiency scheme in Redditch
Redditch Borough Council has approved a scheme to improve energy efficiency in homes. The amount totaling £110,000 is to be paid during three next years in order to help householders to undertake necessary measures touching energy preservation.
It also will be available for those who are seeking for tax credits, notwithstanding whether they have a job or not. This scheme will be funded by council budget. The program funded is to cover energy-effective projects, which are developed in order to reduce expenses, such as wall and loft insulation, energy efficient lightning, heating control systems installation and boilers replacement.
Redditch scheme funding
The scheme funding is divided into three parts: the biggest one totaling £64,000 will be used to provide citizens with fuel, £30,000 are for obsolete heating systems replacement and £17,000 will be paid for the purpose of boilers reparation. This program deliverance is based on Act on Energy activity.
Act on Energy is a non-governmental organization, which provides a wide range of services such as energy efficiency advice, consultancy, conferencing and training to householders and entrepreneurs. Its activity extends to Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Coventry, Solihull and the surrounding local areas.
This scheme could not have come at a better time, Councilor Debbie Taylor believes. It is a time of year when boilers become unserviceable more often, and homeowners have to bare tangible expenses.
Disadvantage of Redditch energy efficiency project
Nevertheless, this scheme has a reverse side. Those householders who benefit it will be ordered to pay £250 in order to compensate for budget expenses. It is not a big amount for well-off homeowners. But, if thinking logically, those, who earn less, need this scheme more. That is why some councilors are concerned about this issue, which contradicts the scheme goal to make householders more financially independent.
Energy efficiency program in East Hampshire
An East Hampshire District Council developed a similar scheme. This project has the same goals as Redditch Borough Council's one. Though the program was valid till August 2015, it was extended till March 2016. Moreover, it offers not only funding, but also free helpful guidance for householders.
This program also covers funding of external wall insulation installation in amount of £5000. Beyond that, the project includes new boilers and double glazing assembling.
Energy efficiency program all over the country
There are resembling programs, which are valid in different parts of the country at present. For instance, The Welsh government has developed a scheme Nest in order to provide free consultancy touching energy efficiency. Another one is named Wales Together. It aims to reduce householders' expenses.
Homeowners from Northern Ireland, whose income is lower than £20,000, can benefit the Affordable Warmth scheme that offers grants in order to install boilers and provide wall insulation.
Scottish property owners have an opportunity to take advantage of the Scottish Government’s HEEPS: Cashback scheme. They can get a grant totaling £500 for a new boiler assembling, £400 for property insulation and £300 for draught proofing.
Moreover, those small businesses, who are installing biomass boilers or solar panels, can get access to loan totaling £1,000 to £100,000.
