Stourbridge MP, Suzanne Webb has urged local households to check if they are eligible for a new £1 billion government fund designed to cut annual energy bills by up to £400.

The Great British Insulation Scheme was launched this week with an eligibility checker and referral service. It also incorporates the Home Upgrade Grant to help off grid houses.

Upgrading homes to be more energy efficient is the best long-term solution for reducing energy costs, tackling fuel poverty, and keeping warm and healthy in winter, Suzanne explained.

The government will spend the cash over three years to help over 300,000 households across the UK insulate their homes and save money on their heating.

You can check your eligibility online. Suzanne said:

“This new scheme is a big extension of energy efficiency support for households and I believe many Stourbridge homes will be eligible.

“It will now offer support to those with an EPC rating of D or below that are also in Council Tax bands A-D as well as those that are low-income and vulnerable and I urge people to check if they can access this help.

“We have some older housing stock across the constituency that adds to the character of our area but they can be a challenge to keep warm especially when energy costs are so high following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Any help is most welcome and I thank the government for putting this fund in place.”

Eligible households will be offered roof, loft or cavity wall insulation via their energy supplier, which could cut their annual energy bill by an average of between £300 to £400.

A tool has also been launched that covers the Home Upgrade Grant, meaning customers in off-the-gas-grid homes that have an EPC rating of D to G can find out what support is available, ranging from insulation and draft proofing to new windows and doors, as well as heat pumps and solar panels.