London, December 06, 2025
The Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme is now open across England, offering free energy efficiency upgrades to eligible low-income households. The programme, including the Staffordshire local initiative accepting applications from November 24, 2025, aims to reduce fuel poverty and support the transition to net-zero carbon emissions.
Eligibility and Target Groups
The scheme targets households in England with homes rated between D and G on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scale. Applicants generally must have a household income below £36,000 annually or receive qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. Both homeowners and renters may qualify, with particular consideration for those most vulnerable to cold homes. Social housing tenants benefit from complementary initiatives under the broader Warm Homes Plan.
Scope of Support and Application Process
Eligible households can receive a range of free improvements, including loft, wall, and underfloor insulation, installation of air source heat pumps, solar panels, smart heating controls, and ventilation upgrades. Local authorities and delivery partners assess homes to recommend suitable measures and coordinate installation at no cost to the resident. Renters’ landlords may contribute in certain cases. Applications are accessible online 24/7 through government or local portals such as Staffordshire Community Home Solutions, with telephone support for assistance. Given high demand, priority is given to the most vulnerable applicants.
Broader Warm Homes Initiatives
The Local Grant scheme is part of the UK government’s comprehensive Warm Homes Plan targeting fuel poverty through energy efficiency improvements. Related programmes include the Warm Homes Discount, a £150 one-off electricity bill credit available automatically to many eligible customers starting October 2025, and the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, which allocates funding to improve energy efficiency in social housing through projects running until 2028. Together, these measures seek to lower energy costs and improve living conditions while advancing climate goals.
The opening of the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme represents a critical step in addressing energy insecurity for low-income households in England. As the country builds towards a net-zero future, such targeted government interventions remain essential in protecting public health, reducing environmental impact, and alleviating fuel poverty across vulnerable communities.