THOUSANDS of privately renting tenants in Southampton could see their heating bills slashed under a scheme to boost insulation in their homes.

The city council is teaming up with German energy giant E-On to offer landlords free cavity wall and loft insulation in a bid to improve the quality of the city’s rental housing stock.

Surveys have revealed many of the homes, particularly houses of multiple occupation, lack energy efficient measures and their residents are often vulnerable people and students who find it difficult to manage expensive heating bills.

Many are living in fuel poverty – spending more than ten per cent of income on heating.

Tory council chiefs have approved £300,000 towards the scheme using underspent cash from a home improvement loan programme. E-On will put in £1.5 million. A council spokesman said E-on’s investment would contribute towards the energy supplier’s carbon emission reduction target set by Government.

The council says it has traditionally been difficult to persuade private landlords to insulate their properties but expects the free scheme to be popular with landlords.

It thinks at least 5,000 houses will be improved over the next two years.

Cabinet member for resources Councillor Jeremy Moulton said: “This is a huge investment that will make a real difference to thousands of residents, many of whom are vulnerable people struggling to heat their homes.

“By insulating homes for free we will ensure that fuels bills are cut.

As well as keeping people warm it is great news for the environment.”

Maureen Treadwell, Hampshire spokesman for the National Landlord Association, said: “We’re really supportive of this scheme, we would hope more people take them up.

“If you can get your property well insulated you’re much more likely to keep your tenants.

“If life is more affordable for tenants they are going to have less difficulty paying their rent.”

As an added further incentive landlords applying in the first year will get their Energy Performance Certificates at half price.

The council has put aside £5,000 to pay for it on a first come first serve basis.

The scheme will be administered by Dorset Energy Advice Centre (DEAC) which runs a similar scheme in Bournemouth.

DEAC, which is part funded by the Energy Saving Trust to provide free and impartial advice on energy saving, has worked with around 700 landlords and insulated around 6,500 homes.

Any landlord who wants to take advantage of the scheme should call 0800 975 0166.