Gateshead Council has submitted a bid for £1,082,000 in central Government funding to improve energy conservation in 230 homes.
Council officers have opted into an £800m national scheme, titled the social housing decarbonisation fund, to reduce energy waste in social housing. The local authority is also stumping up £3.5m of its own cash into the project.
While most social housing in Gateshead sits in an energy performance certificate rating of 'C', 230 homes within the borough are in bands 'D' or 'E'. This means the homes are energy inefficient and could suffer from higher bills.
The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy encourages councils across the country to update less efficient homes with wall, loft and underfloor insulation. The fund can also be used for the installation of solar panels.
Blaydon, Chowdene, High Fell, Low Fell, Windy Nook and Whitehills all have homes requiring further insulation.
The following estates are up for renovation if the funding bid is successful:
Allerdene
Bagnall Grange
Beacon Lough East
Beacon Lough Upper
Florence Avenue Estate
Harlow Green
Lyndhurst Lower
Sheriff Hill
According to council documents, "the properties all have uninsulated flat roof and façade details that are uninsulated". Works are hoped to start in late summer 2023 and carry through into December 2024.
Council officers also claim the fund will help the local authority's aim to become carbon neutral by 2030.
A council report into the fund stated: "The scheme is built on the principles of delivering ‘fabric first’ insulation improvements to homes, preparing them for future low carbon heating solutions. The social housing decarbonisation fund aims to deliver warm, energy-efficient homes, reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills, tackle fuel poverty and support green jobs."
Council officers also claim that successful funding would also improve the health of residents by reducing their exposure to harsh winters.
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