Householders are being reminded about opportunities to make their homes more energy-efficient and cheaper to keep warm as winter approaches.

This is part of the programme of work Cherwell District Council is engaging in to support residents with their cost-of-living pressures.

The council oversees two government initiatives to support eligible households with grant-funded home improvements, such as better insulation.

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The fourth wave of the Energy Company Obligation Scheme runs to March 31, 2026, offering assistance to people in the least energy-efficient homes, those with an Energy Performance Certificate of D to G.

The second initiative is the Great British Insulation Scheme, which also runs until March 2026.

This focuses on providing what are claimed to be cost-effective measures to reduce energy bills in as many homes as possible.

This scheme aims to quickly install energy efficiency measures in a broader range of households, including those with lower incomes and those living in the least energy-efficient homes in lower council tax bands.

It is designed to deliver improvements to the least energy-efficient homes in Great Britain to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce energy bills.

Improving the energy efficiency of homes also helps tackle climate change, an agenda the council claims to be committed to.

Councillor Nicholas Mawer, portfolio holder for housing, said: “We are fully committed to supporting our residents, especially those who are the most vulnerable, as we head towards the colder months and are still faced with a cost of living crisis. “These government initiatives, which we help administer, are a lifeline, providing crucial improvements that make homes more energy-efficient and cost-effective to heat for those who need it most.

“Our goal is to help residents reduce their energy bills, combat fuel poverty, and create a more sustainable future for our residents.

“I urge residents to contact Better Housing Better Health for help and advice and to see if they can benefit from these two schemes.”

Householders are encouraged to seek guidance and assistance from Better Housing Better Health.

They offer a single point of contact for impartial expert advice to help people improve the energy efficiency of homes, save money, and enhance overall comfort.

Householders can contact them at www.bhbh.org.uk or can call 0800 107 0044.

The council has lots of helpful advice to support people during the cost-of-living crisis on its website: www.cherwell.gov.uk/cost-of-living.

In September last year the council announced that people on low incomes in Cherwell would be receiving extra support with the cost of living as discretionary energy payments were being paid.

The payments were fully funded by central government grants to the council and householders did not have to pay anything extra on their council tax.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1