£16 million fund fuels energy efficiency improvements for Rugby homeowners

Rugby Borough Council has joined forces with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to rollout the Government's Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) programme in the borough.

To qualify for a grant, residents must own their own home and have an annual household income under £36,000, while the property must not be connected to mains gas.

The grants can fund a range of energy efficiency measures, including solar panels, super-efficient insulation, underfloor heating and heat pumps.

Cllr Tim Willis, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities, homes, digital and communications, said an estimated 300,000 homes across the West Midlands were not connected to mains gas, and encouraged eligible homeowners in Rugby to apply for a HUG.

"Energy efficiency upgrades keep homes warmer, bills lower and support Rugby's response to climate change," Cllr Willis said.

"Working with the West Midlands Combined Authority, Rugby Borough Council has ensured our eligible residents can benefit from both the grant funding and the expert advice on offer from the HUG team."

To qualify for a HUG, homes must have a Home Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G.

On qualifying for a grant, homeowners receive a free technical survey to determine the suitable energy efficiency improvements for the property.

Landlords in the charitable and private-rented sectors can also apply for HUGs.

Andy Street, chair of the WMCA and Mayor of the West Midlands, said: "Improving the energy efficiency of our region's housing stock is a key part of how we lower energy bills for local people - and create warmer and healthier places to live.

"So, it's good news we're now able to make grants and expert advice available to homeowners who live in some of the most energy inefficient homes, enabling them to access the support they need to bring them up to modern energy efficiency standards."

The WMCA secured £16 million from the second phase of the Government's HUG programme. The authority has partnered with councils in Rugby, Birmingham, Sandwell and Dudley to deliver the programme, with support from charities Act On Energy and Marches Energy Agency.

For more information about HUG - and to apply - visit www.rugby.gov.uk/HUG