A DISTRICT council is encouraging homeowners and landlords to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their properties more eco-friendly.

Cherwell District Council is making people aware of the Green Homes Grant, a new Government scheme which will be going live soon.

The vouchers that are on offer cover up to two thirds of the cost of home improvements such as heating controls, insulation, or double and triple glazing.

Households in receipt of benefits may be able to receive up to £10,000, covering 100 per cent of the cost of the improvements.

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They could help people save up to £600 a year on energy bills.

Councillor John Donaldson, Cherwell's lead member for housing, said: “Green home improvements could not only help residents save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills; they will help people cut their carbon emissions too.

“But the financial outlay needed for things like heating controls and double glazing can be a barrier to many. That’s why we at the council welcome the Green Homes Grant: if, as expected, the scheme gets a strong take-up, then we would also expect it to create lots of work for local businesses and tradespeople too."

The Simple Energy Advice website is open for people to check their eligibility and find out what energy efficiency improvements can be made.