More than 2,300 lower income households across Merseyside will receive new green upgrades to their homes.

The upgrades are the latest phase in the Government’s roll out of £6.6 billion to decarbonise homes as UK builds back greener to reach world-leading net zero commitment.

Six councils in the Merseyside area will receive a total of £28.5 million to install green upgrades, including new external wall insulation, loft insulation, heat pumps and solar panels. 

Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Abdul Qadir, said: “17% of people in our city live in fuel poverty, which is made worse because their houses are not energy efficient or adequately insulated. 

“Living in a cold, damp house has a direct impact on health, so we want anyone who meets the criteria to come forward and take advantage of the scheme.” 

The Sustainable Warmth competition will improve the energy efficiency of some of the poorest performing homes in the country – those rated between D and G on their Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). 

These changes could save the average household £200 a year on their energy bills. 

 The funding is part of over £400 million awarded to over 200 councils across England, supporting the Government’s mission to level up by building green jobs and industries of the future across the country. 

The money comprises funding from the Government’s Local Authority Delivery scheme and the Home Upgrade Grant. 

 It is also part of the Government’s wider £6.6 billion investment to cut carbon emissions from homes as part of meeting the legally-binding commitment to eliminate the UK’s contribution to climate change by 2050. 

Business and Energy Minister, Lord Callanan, said: “The UK has a strong track record in improving the energy performance of its homes, with 40% in England and Wales now at or above Energy Performance Band C.

“This funding for Merseyside will target help at those who need it most, making homes warmer, more comfortable and greener. 

“Heating our homes and buildings makes up almost a third of all carbon emissions, meaning it’s vital that we all do what we can to raise the energy efficiency of our properties.

“We’re investing £6.6 billion this parliament to decarbonise our buildings, helping us build back greener and reach our world-leading climate ambitions, whilst saving people money on their bills.”