Speaking in Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero Questions in Parliament today (18.04.23), Peter Gibson MP has welcomed the announcement that Darlington is set to receive a funding boost to improve heating efficiency and cut household bills.
The Conservative Government have announced a £2.5 billion package to boost the efficiency of heating systems across low-income households and cut bills by up to £400.
The Government-backed Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and Home Upgrade Grant commits £1.4 billion of funding, matched by an additional £1.1 billion from Social Housing Landlords and charities. The package will improve 115,000 domestic heating systems, and support 20,000 jobs around the country.
By increasing the efficiency of heating systems, the Conservative Government are not only supporting families with higher costs by paying around half of the average household’s energy bills during the winter, but also cutting the cost of heating for thousands of low-income households.
Across the Tees Valley Combined Authority, £32.4 million will be provided through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. While Darlington Borough Council will also receive £6.21 million from the Home Upgrade Grant, boosting the efficiency of around 300 homes, slashing bills and emissions.
Mr Gibson has previously raised the issue of retrofitting in the House of Commons on a number of occasions, having held a debate on Energy Efficiency of Homes in the North in July of 2022, where he highlighted the work of North Star Housing towards retrofitting their properties. Mr Gibson also highlighted the need for the Government to go further on retrofitting at Energy Security and Net Zero Questions in February 2023. As such, he has warmly welcomed the announcement of further funding in this area.
Speaking about this funding, Mr Gibson said:
“Retrofitting is a win-win-win-win situation, cutting carbon emissions and fuel bills, tackling health issues, reducing our reliance on gas imports and creating new jobs in the north.
“It is absolutely right that our mission to reach net zero does not saddle taxpayers with unrealistic costs, and I welcome that this funding will increase the efficiency of heating systems and vitally cut costs for hundreds of families for the long-term.”