over 1700 homes set for energy upgrades

believe housing is upgrading more than 1,700 homes to boost energy efficiency, support lower fuel bills, and improve living conditions for customers.

The housing association has received £7.8 million from the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3, which it is match-funding to carry out a £15.6 million programme of home energy improvements over the next three years.

On top of this, believe housing will increase its own investment to reach hundreds of additional homes each year.

Delivery partner RE:GEN Group is leading the work, focusing on homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below C and which will benefit most from the upgrades.

Homes will receive various measures based on survey results, including loft, cavity wall, improved ventilation, heating controls, energy-efficient lighting, and solar panels to generate clean electricity.

Samantha Tullock, Assistant Director of Strategic Assets at believe housing, said: “We’re excited to see work underway on our latest programme of home energy improvement works.

“Customers whose homes were improved in previous schemes tell us the work caused little disruption, and they can feel the benefits in their home and in their pockets.

“Energy efficiency upgrades can significantly improve living conditions by making homes warmer, preventing damp and mould, improving residents’ health, and tackling fuel poverty.”

Believe housing secured the funding as part of the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub consortium of housing associations and local authorities. Led by Tees Valley Combined Authority, the consortium received a total of £43,910,533 from Warm Homes: SHF (formerly known as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund or SHDF).

Believe housing previously secured £10.26 million from the first two waves of the SHDF, towards £18.8 million of home energy upgrades in 3,477 homes.

Faye Gordon, Executive Director of Finance and Investment at believe housing, said: “Through this £15.6 million scheme, we’re making homes warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient for our customers, which saves money on energy bills.

“Previous schemes have resulted in significant benefits, not only for customers but also in supporting jobs, boosting the region’s economy, and reducing our carbon footprint.

“The support of government funding is essential for us to continue this work, and we’re committed to further investment so we can reach even more homes.”