Social housing multi-million pound cash injection to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty
650 social housing properties across the North East are set to become more environmentally friendly and cheaper to heat thanks to £8.3m of funding.
The money is to be split between North East housing providers Livin Housing, Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes, Tyne Housing, North Star Housing and Keelman Homes, to deliver the works over the next three years.
Collectively, all five landlord partners will invest over £5.5m with a further £2.8m being matched-funded through the Government’s Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (Wave 3).
The combined £8.3m spend will be split proportionately amongst each of the five housing associations depending on the number of homes being improved and the requirements needed. This will include eligible residential properties in Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, County Durham, Tees Valley and Wear Valley.
Energy efficiency measures will include new cavity wall, loft and ceiling insulation, solar panels, internal heating controls, replacement glazing units, air source heat pumps and low carbon lighting amongst other measures depending on a property’s age and individual requirements.
The retrofit programme is expected to commence soon and be completed with minimal disruption to residents and adjacent buildings.
The project is being facilitated by procurement and collaboration experts, Prosper, whilst the work is being undertaken by Consett-based, Zenith Mechanical Services.
Rod Brasington, Chief Executive of Prosper, said: “This exciting new collaborative partnership has been founded after several conversations with our landlord partners to determine their objectives and how this could best be delivered to create true value and efficiency.
“Bringing the five landlords together and creating a robust partnership with Zenith Mechanical Services is fantastic news which will significantly improve the living experience of more than 650 residents right across the North East.”
The UK Government’s Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (Wave 3) is a £1.29bn scheme aimed at upgrading national housing stock that currently sits below an energy performance certificate (EPC) band C.
Announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, the initiative aims to deliver warm, energy efficient homes, improve the comfort, health and wellbeing of social housing tenants, reduce carbon emissions, support green jobs and develop the retrofit sector, with grant funded projects to be delivered between 2025 and 2028.
The works are expected to commence early 2026 and all residents will be contacted directly by their housing provider with more information.