Bedford Borough Council is pleased to announce the availability of the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), a government-funded initiative aimed at providing energy-saving upgrades to residents with off-grid gas heating systems. This scheme is designed to alleviate the impact of soaring energy bills, particularly for those most vulnerable to fuel poverty, and eligible residents are encouraged to apply.
The HUG2 program offers free-of-charge energy-saving improvements that will not only keep homes warm but also help residents manage their heating bills efficiently. Whether you own your home, rent, or are a private landlord with tenants, you may qualify to apply for these much-needed upgrades.
Councillor Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Highways, and Transport at Bedford Borough Council, expressed the significance of the HUG2 initiative, stating, "In the face of rising energy costs, the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 comes as a crucial support for our community. This program is an opportunity for residents with the least energy efficient homes to improve them, providing comfort and relief from escalating bills. I encourage all eligible residents to consider applying for this grant, as it not only benefits individual households but also contributes to our collective commitment to sustainability."
To apply for the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 and find out more visit the Council website at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/environmental-issues/sustainability/home-upgrade-grant. Residents can directly access the application portal at https://www.hugapply.co.uk/apply-now. Applications are open until March 2025.
The initiative addresses the pressing issue of fuel poverty, which has affected a significant percentage of households in Bedford Borough. People that live in a cold, damp, poorly insulated and poorly heated home are at risk of increasingly high energy bills and risks to health. Over 12% of the borough is at risk of or currently experiencing fuel poverty, according to 2021 statistics.
Under the Greater Southeast Net Zero Hub (GSENZH), Bedford Borough Council is working to accelerate local net zero projects. The council is working with this government-funded organisation collaborating with public sector entities and stakeholders to finance and streamline the delivery of schemes like HUG2.
Agility Eco, a specialist company appointed by Bedford Borough Council, will manage all energy-improvement works on behalf of residents. For inquiries or assistance, please contact Agility Eco at 0800 107 8883. The grant is available to households meeting specific criteria, including not being heated by mains gas, having a combined annual income of less than £31,000, and having a home that an Energy Performance Certificate declares as hard to heat.
Landlords are also encouraged to apply, under conditions such as owning four or fewer properties and contributing at least one third of the costs. The scheme aims to phase out the use of fossil fuel heating, supporting the UK's 2050 Net Zero commitment and promoting household health and well-being through the reduction of cold homes.
HUG2 builds on the success of its predecessor, which allocated £218 million to 42 projects covering over 200 local authority areas. This second phase is a crucial step towards a greener and more sustainable future for Bedford Borough.
Residents of Bedford Borough can find further help and advice for managing their energy and water usage at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/EnergyAndWaterAdviceForResidents.