The Press Association Radar team have produced a series of articles examining the latest figures for the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) and Local Authority Delivery scheme (LAD). These are government schemes supporting energy efficiency upgrades of low-energy efficiency (EPC of D or lower) low-income (household income below £30k) households across England.
The figures show a mixed picture in terms of take up and delivery around the country for the programmes which are now closed to new applications. Overall data does show a clear increase in measures being delivered since the last General Election.
A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented:
“Every upgrade of a home in fuel poverty is a step in the right direction.
“But we need progress to be delivered at speed and with the urgency the energy bills crisis deserves. Every winter spent in a cold damp home causes misery and health complications for millions of households.
“This is why the Government’s Warm Homes Plan must be rooted in a ‘Warmth First’ principle, treating a warm, dry and affordable-to-heat home as a basic human right.
“And upgrades to homes must come alongside reform to electricity pricing and moves to secure our energy supply in the future, especially given that the North Sea will not be able to meet our gas heating needs from 2027.”