New Forest residents can apply for funding to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Residents who live in homes with a mains gas supply could be eligible for funding up to £10,000, and those without a mains gas supply could receive up to £25,000, New Forest District Council said.

The funding is available through the Warmer Homes programme, which can be used to install energy efficient measures such as insulation, solar PV panels, and air source heat pumps.

This is as well as high heat retention storage heaters in properties that do not have a mains gas supply.

Cllr Steve Davies, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, said: “The Warmer Homes funding programme is a great opportunity for eligible residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

"The installation of these measures, which includes solar panels, insulation, air source heat pumps, and more, will help to reduce the cost of our residents’ energy bills, and ensures that we are working towards achieving both our and the government’s climate aim of becoming net zero carbon by 2050.” 

People who live in the district qualify for funding if their homes have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E, F, or G, and they have a total household income of £36,000 or less or they receive a means-tested benefit.

Residents can find out the EPC rating of their home by visiting https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.

Funding is available first come first serve until March 2025 and is subject to eligibility and the EPC rating of each home.

Funding from the Warmer Homes programme is available to owner-occupiers and private rental tenants. Landlords of private rental tenants can apply but will be required to make a financial contribution.

Residents can find out more and apply online at www.warmerhomes.org.uk/programme