The South West Net Zero Hub has successfully led a consortium to secure nearly £67 million in government funding to help 6,500 homes across the region become warmer and more energy efficient.
The new funding comes from the Government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and is one of the largest per-person settlements from the Warm Homes programme. The investment will be matched by local authorities and social landlords, bringing the total funding to over £130 million.
The Hub’s retrofit team played a key role in bringing together 18 partners, including local authorities and housing associations, to form the South West consortium, ensuring a collaborative approach to tackling fuel poverty and reducing energy costs for families.
Consortium members in the South West Net Zero Hub’s bid included the following housing associations and local authorities: Aster, Brighter Places, Brunel Care, Coastline, Cornwall Housing Ltd, Curo, GreenSquareAccord, Homes in Sedgemoor, LiveWest, Magna, North Devon Homes, Ocean Housing, SHAL Housing, Somerset Council, Southampton Council, Westward Housing, New Forest District Council and Bristol City Council.
David Lewis, South West Hub Programme Manager, said:
“We’re delighted to have led the consortium in securing this investment for the region, to deliver warmer homes, lower energy bills, and reduced carbon emissions. This success highlights the power of collaboration.“
“My thanks goes to the Hub’s Retrofit Manager Joanne Wright and team, to the West of England Combined Authority for their support, and to consortium members across the region. We can now make lasting change for thousands of families creating warmer and healthier homes”.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers, said:
“Living in a warm, comfortable home should not be a luxury. It is a right that has been out of reach for too many people for too long. By giving this funding to local authorities and social housing providers we are delivering on our promise to improve the homes of thousands of people across England.”
“As part of our Plan for Change, we are powering on with our Warm Homes Plan, upgrading cold and draughty homes so they are warmer, cleaner, and cheaper to live in.”
