Somerset Council given funding to help residents lower bills

The council has secured funds from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s ‘Warm Homes: Local Grant’ scheme to help homeowners and private rental residents across Somerset save money on energy bills by retrofitting their homes. 

Retrofitting refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiency, making it easier to heat, able to retain that heat for longer, and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. 

Somerset Council has secured an additional £1 million in funding to support the retrofitting initiative.

This funding supplements the approximately £6 million already allocated for distribution by the council over three years, from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028. 

Grants can be used to install floor insulation, wall insulation, loft insulation, door and window replacements, ventilation, solar panels, air source heat pumps and storage heaters.

The grants are means-tested, and residents can check if they are eligible for the funds and apply by searching ‘retrofit and energy efficiency’ on the council's website.  

Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council’s lead member for adults services, housing and homelessness, said: “I welcome the news that we have been awarded additional funds to help us continue to deliver clean, efficient and more cost-effective energy for Somerset residents.  

“This investment is vital in ensuring that everyone in our community can benefit from modern, sustainable heating solutions, particularly those who may be struggling with older, inefficient systems.  

“It is heartening to hear stories like the one shared by a resident, which demonstrate the real difference these improvements make to people’s day-to-day lives.  

“Our ongoing partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy will ensure we can reach even more households and support Somerset’s journey towards a greener future.”