Apply now for free energy efficiency improvements

Eligible Canterbury district residents can now apply for a grant from the city council to have energy efficiency improvements installed in their home completely free of charge.

The council recently successfully bid for £1.5 million of central government funding under its Warm Homes Local Grant.

The money will pay for a range of fully funded measures including home insulation, boiler upgrades and solar panels. The aim is to help homeowners in fuel poverty save money on their bills, provide warmer homes and support the district with its progress to achieving net zero.

To be eligible to receive Warm Homes Local Grant funding, a homeowner must meet at least one the following criteria:

• Households in certain low-income areas – letters have already been sent to homeowners in eligible postcode areas
• Households where an occupant (other than a lodger) is in receipt of certain means-tested benefits – including Housing Benefit, Universal Credit and Pension Credit
• Households with a gross annual income of below £36,000. Homeowners may also be eligible if their household income is higher than £36,000 but their housing costs – such as rent and mortgage payments – are particularly high

In addition, to be eligible, the property must not have an existing energy performance certificate rating of above D, and only private home owners are able to apply.

Separate schemes are currently underway to improve the energy efficiency of the council’s own stock of social housing.

Cabinet member for the environment and climate change, Cllr Mel Dawkins, said: “We are really pleased to have won this significant sum of money from the government and are looking forward to transforming the lives of residents across the district through these improvements to their homes.

“I would urge anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to look into the options that are available to them and give serious consideration to applying.

“The funding is limited to the amount we have been awarded so an early application is advised in order to avoid disappointment.”

The council has gone into partnership with Aran Insulation, who will deliver the energy-saving work on its behalf. The company has delivered similar schemes in partnership with neighbouring local authorities.

The scheme will run until March 2028 and households can apply on the national government website.

Council officers will be available to support residents through the process. Anyone with questions can email warmhomes@canterbury.gov.uk for advice.

Published: 17 November 2025