More than 200 homes in Sheffield are set to benefit from a £3.4 million energy efficient scheme.

The ‘ Warm Homes Grant’ aims to reduce carbon emissions and support residents on low incomes.

It will enable applicants to receive funding for energy efficient improvements and installations in the home.

Nathan Robinson, Service Manager for Housing at Sheffield City Council said: “We will ensure this grant gets to homes within most need.

”The worst performing energy efficient homes are in the private rented sector.”

He told the Sheffield city housing policy committee on the 24th April that the council have drawn up a 13-point decarbonisation plan for both public and private housing sectors.

The grant will fund upgrades for 221 privately owned or privately rented homes.

It will help to improve their energy performance and reduce heating costs.

 The scheme targets properties with the lowest energy efficiency ratings. Particularly those rated between D and G on the Energy Performance Certificate scale.

There have been concerns over how eligibility for the scheme is assessed, with some calling for a geographical link that prioritises homes in the poorest areas. 

Mr Robison added: “Income assessments will be carried out across all eligible properties to ensure fairness.

The grant is available to households with a gross annual income of £36,000 or less, or those receiving benefits such as universal credit or housing benefit.

The scheme is open to both on-grid and off-grid households, including those heated by electricity, oil, coal, or LPG

It is also open to residents in areas ranked among the lowest income deciles nationally. 

The goal is to upgrade homes to at least an EPC C rating, improving both comfort and energy costs for residents.

Council officials say the scheme aligns with broader plans to create a more sustainable city and improve overall well being .

A range of local organisations are expected to work with the council to identify eligible homes and raise awareness of the scheme. 

The council plans to contact households directly to inform them of the opportunity.

The council also emphasised that eligibility is based on the tenants circumstances not the landlords, to ensure privately rented homes aren’t unfairly excluded from the scheme.

The Warm Homes Local Grant replaces the former Green Homes Grant.