A LOCAL councillor is urging families in Wirral to check if they could benefit from a new initiative to cut home energy bills.

Nationally, more than 300,000 families are expected to save hundreds of pounds on their bills due to new energy efficiency upgrades.

The new £1 billion drive to help those most in need heat their home for less is part of the 'Great British Insulation Scheme'.

Councillor for Moreton West and Saughall Massie, Gary Bennett, said: “Families with the lowest incomes, often in the least energy-efficient homes, will be offered vital upgrades under this new scheme. Whether it's roof, loft or cavity wall insulation - this could cut their annual energy bill by an average of between £300 to £400.”

The scheme will boost help for those on the lowest incomes as well as extend support to a wider range of households compared to other existing government-funded schemes.

Those eligible for support under the Great British Insulation Scheme include families in council tax bands A-D, with an Energy Performance Certificate (‘EPC’) rating of D or below.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “We are determined to help families keep their homes warm through the winter months and save on their energy costs.

“Our Great British Insulation Scheme will help hundreds of thousands of people, including some of the most vulnerable in society, get the upgrades their homes need, while cutting their energy bills.”

The scheme will help build on progress in improving energy efficiency in the country’s homes – in 2010, just 14% of homes had an energy efficiency ('EPC') rating of C or above. By last year, this had improved to 47% in 2022.

Mike Thornton, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust added: “Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a vital part of addressing both the energy crisis and climate emergency.

“By reducing demand for fossil fuels it provides a triple win long-term solution for cutting energy bills, decreasing carbon emissions and improving energy security.

“The launch of the Great British Insulation Scheme is therefore a welcome development as it will mean more households are eligible for financial support for insulation measures and comes at a crucial time as we approach the colder winter months.”