RESIDENTS are being urged to apply for up to £10,000 of free heating and insulation improvements to cut their energy bills.

Across Essex, residents can apply for improvements including insulation, heating and hot water systems, solar panels and lighting.

Essex County Council's Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme is for properties with a D, E, F or G Energy Performance Certificate rating (EPC).

Homeowners with this EPC rating and a combined household annual income of below £30,000 are being urged to apply.

Homeowners with a combined income above £30,000 may still be eligible if someone in the household receives Universal Credit, Jobseeker Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Armed Forces Independence Payment or other income, health or disability benefit.

Landlords of rented properties can qualify for up to £5,000 towards a home’s energy efficiency improvements and must make a minimum 33 per cent contribution to the upgrade.

The scheme is being delivered by company Warmworks on behalf of the Greater South East Energy Hub (GSEEH), funded by the UK Government and supported by Essex County Council.

Following an application, a home survey is arranged with the householder and Warmworks will then recommend a package of improvements to make the home more energy efficient.

An accredited and registered sub-contractor team will then complete installation of the agreed heating and energy-efficiency measures at no cost.

Essex County Council’s Climate Czar and Hedingham councillor Councillor Peter Schwier, said: “With energy costs rising, and many people struggling to pay for heating, the Green Homes Grant scheme can help. We encourage everyone to find out as soon as possible if they are eligible for up to £10,000 to improve insulation and heating systems, reduce their energy bills and help tackle climate change.”

GSEEH has won £5.2 million funding to support more than 500 Essex homes with the scheme.

Ross Armstrong, Warmworks Managing Director, added: “The funded energy efficiency measures give local people an opportunity to reduce their carbon emissions and support the transition to Net Zero, and as the colder weather intensifies, one of the most important benefits we can offer is supporting residents to heat their homes for less.

“Just a few minutes to complete our short application could help cut your bills and keep your home warmer and more efficient for years ahead.”

The scheme operates on a first come first served basis. For details, see the Essex County Council website