Apply for a Green Homes Grant

South Derbyshire District Council is working with local charity, Marches Energy Agency (MEA) to install home energy efficiency improvements to South Derbyshire homes not connected to gas network at no cost to the residents.

MEA will be responsible for lead generation, eligibility checks, onward referrals to Council-approved installer, and after-care. They will remain a point of contact should you have any issues during the process.

We are working with Synergize and Renuvo/ RMS Energy Services to deliver these energy saving measures.


What home energy efficiency improvements could I be offered?
Works offered will depend on funding availability AND the outcome of technical surveys, but could include:

  • External Wall Insulation
  • Internal Wall Insulation
  • Cavity Wall Insulation
  • Loft Insulation
  • Low Carbon Heating

Am I Eligible? You likely qualify if you meet all the following criteria:

  • Your home is not connected to the mains gas network
  • You are an owner-occupier or rent your home from a private landlord
  • Your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G.

You can check your EPC online using www.epcregister.com. If your home does not have an EPC, this can be organised on your behalf for free

  • And one of the following statements is true:

Route 1: You live in one of the eligible postcode areas set by the Government

Route 2: A permanent member of your household receives a means tested benefit

Route 3: Your combined household income is below £36,000 before tax

*For owner-occupiers, grants will fund the full cost of works required (inc. surveys). Private tenants are eligible for assistance, however your landlord will be required to contribute a minimum of 1/3 of the total cost. Please discuss your application with your landlord before applying.

How do I apply?

Any questions or to apply contact MEA’s local team (Warmer Derby & Derbyshire):

N.B:- Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

I don’t meet the eligibility criteria, what are the next steps?

If you don't meet the eligibility criteria, MEA’s Warmer Derby and Derbyshire advice service is able to check to see if there are alternative funding schemes appropriate for you. You can contact them on 0800 677 1332 (Option 1)  or email wdd@mea.org.uk  

The service also offers free impartial advice on energy efficiency, billing, fuel debt, and more. Alternatively, you can check with your energy supplier or search for localised grants via https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency  

How long do energy efficiency improvements usually take?

This is difficult to estimate! Some improvements may take longer to organise than others. For example, some may require planning permission and/or are weather-dependent. If needed, you will not need to pay or apply for planning yourself. 

You may have multiple surveys depending on the measure. Once your home has been surveyed and the council have confirmed your grant, there is a formal compliance process to meet funding requirements. This happens in the background and does not require any input from you to complete. However, this can take several weeks to process, and must be done before the work can commence. From your initial application to installation, it could take at least a several months or more.

Why am I required to fit ventilation upgrades to my home before receiving an insulation measure?

Government standards, known as PAS 2035, mean that households who qualify for funded insulation must either have their existing ventilation upgraded or new additional ventilation installed in their homes.

At survey stage your home's suitability for insulation, and the ventilation needed, will be assessed together. Should your property require any ventilation measures, they will be fitted at the same time as your insulation at no cost to you.

Upgrades could include extractor fans, trickle vents on windows or gaps beneath internal doors. These allow air to move throughout your home keeping your home safe and healthy.

Why has my application been declined?

To receive funding, we must follow strict guidelines set out by the Government. Whilst we all do our best, sometimes eligibility is not clear until after the technical surveys.

Below are the common reasons for unsuccessful applications:

• EPC rating too high

Properties rated A, B, C do not qualify because the scheme aims to upgrade the most inefficient properties first.

• Property unsuitable

Not all homes are suitable for certain energy efficiency measures. A survey will be completed to determine what improvements your property needs from what is available under this scheme.

• High costs

Government has specified a maximum amount of grant per property. If the quotes come back too high, your application will be cancelled.

• Access difficulties

Your application may be cancelled if installers are unable to access relevant parts of your property safely. This could be due to narrow passageways or not enough room to erect scaffolding. For health and safety, loft spaces with small loft hatches are often declined for measures such as loft insulation.

• Planning constraints

Some measures are not allowed to be installed due planning restrictions. For example, we may encounter complications if your property is listed or in a conservation area.