By hiyastar.co.uk Local News Desk
Published: 15 June 2026
West Northamptonshire residents on low incomes, certain benefits or in priority postcode areas may be able to get free home energy upgrades through the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme.
West Northamptonshire Council says the programme is aimed at households most likely to struggle with heating costs and poor energy efficiency. The upgrades are designed to reduce bills, keep homes warmer and support properties that need insulation or cleaner heating systems.
Who can apply for the Warm Homes grant
The scheme is open to homeowners and tenants in privately rented homes in England, where the property and household meet the eligibility rules.
Homes must have an Energy Performance Certificate rated D to G. Households may qualify if they have a total income of £36,000 or less, savings below £16,000, receive means-tested benefits, or live in specified priority postcode areas.
Residents who are unsure about their Energy Performance Certificate rating or postcode status can still contact the scheme provider. Applications are assessed before any work is agreed.
Free upgrades covered by the scheme
Eligible homes may be considered for a range of energy-saving improvements. West Northamptonshire Council says these can include insulation, draught proofing, smart heating controls and low-carbon heating systems.
The grant can support both gas-grid and off-grid properties, depending on the home survey and the measures judged suitable for the building. Not every household will receive the same upgrades, because the final package depends on eligibility checks and the condition of the property.
£2.6 million funding for local homes
The Government has awarded £2.6 million over three years for home energy upgrades across West Northamptonshire.
So far, seven households have benefited from the scheme. The council says it hopes a further 40 households will receive support this year from the available funding.
Cllr Nigel Stanfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste at West Northamptonshire Council, said the scheme is completely free and can help install improvements that keep homes warmer while reducing energy costs.
How residents can apply
The scheme is being delivered locally with Sureserve Energy Services UK Ltd, which will assess eligibility and manage approved installations.
Residents who think they may qualify can email westnorthamptonshire@sureserve.co.uk or call 01506 638600, extension 60045.
Council officers may assess the application and arrange a home survey to decide what improvement work the household is eligible for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Warm Homes: Local Grant in West Northamptonshire?
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is a government-funded scheme offering free energy-efficiency improvements to eligible homes in West Northamptonshire. It is aimed at households most likely to be affected by high heating costs, cold rooms or poor insulation, especially where the property has a low Energy Performance Certificate rating.
How can I check if I qualify for free home energy upgrades?
Start by checking four things:
- Your home should usually have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.
- Your household income may need to be £36,000 or less.
- Savings should generally be below £16,000.
- You may also qualify if you receive means-tested benefits or live in a priority postcode area.
If you are unsure about your EPC rating or postcode, you can still contact the scheme provider and ask for an eligibility check before any work is agreed.
What upgrades could my home get under the scheme?
Eligible homes may be assessed for improvements such as insulation, draught proofing, smart heating controls and low-carbon heating systems. The exact package is decided after checks and a home survey, so two households may receive different upgrades depending on the building, heating setup and what will make the biggest difference.
Will the grant really help lower energy bills for local residents?
The grant is designed to make homes easier and cheaper to heat. Better insulation, reduced draughts and improved heating controls can help residents use less energy while keeping rooms warmer. The biggest benefit is likely to be felt by households in older, colder or less efficient homes.
What should I do next if I think I am eligible?
Contact West Northamptonshire Council or the official Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme provider to register your interest. Have details ready about your household income, benefits, savings, tenancy status and EPC rating if you know it. If you rent privately, your landlord may need to give permission before any property improvements can go ahead.
Source: West Northamptonshire Council
Context & actions About this article
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This article was prepared from West Northamptonshire Council's public notice about the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme.
- Checked the stated eligibility rules, including income, savings, benefits and EPC rating r...
- Checked the listed upgrade types against the council notice.
- Checked the published contact details for Sureserve Energy Services UK Ltd.
- Kept the article focused on application steps and local household impact.
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- West Northamptonshire Council
- Scope
- West Northamptonshire
- Updated
- 2026-06-15 10:34
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