The UK Government’s have published the Warm Homes Plan with £15 billion of public investment, to upgrade up to 5 million homes by 2030, take up to 1 million households out of fuel poverty, and deliver lasting reductions in energy bills – through solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and insulation.
What this means for the South West
For the South West, the Warm Homes Plan presents a major opportunity. The region has a high share of older, energy inefficient homes, many off the gas grid and costly to heat. Upgrading these homes is essential to reducing bills, improving wellbeing and meeting local net zero targets.
The Warm Homes Plan provides greater certainty for local authorities, housing providers and community energy groups to develop long term retrofit programmes, build supply chains and invest in skills.
The Warm Homes Plan is expected to create 180,000 new jobs, including 16,000 in the South West,
The role of the South West Net Zero Hub
The South West Net Zero Hub is already supporting delivery of the Warm Homes Plan through the coordination of a consortium to deliver the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund which will help over 6,500 homes across the region become warmer and more energy efficient.
The Hub will work with the newly formed Warm Homes Agency to ensure the South West is ready to maximise the opportunities of the Warm Homes Plan and deliver lasting benefits for communities.
The Hub is well placed to build on our strong track record of regional collaboration, established partner relationships, and technical expertise to play a key role in delivering the Warm Homes Plan across the South West.