The scheme targets households struggling with heating bills and inefficient heating systems

National Grid, together with its community interest company Affordable Warmth Solutions, are launching the Warm Homes Fund (WHF) to help make households in Britain warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat.

The partnership says many of the UK’s four million households are unable to heat their home properly and are relying on heating systems that are inadequate or expensive to run.

In 2014 the UK Government introduced a statutory target to ensure fuel poor homes in England achieve a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band C by 31 December 2030. Targets have also been set by the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.

The WHF is open to bids from local authorities and housing associations in England, Scotland and Wales, and will provide capital funding for the installation of affordable heating solutions in fuel poor households who do not use mains gas as their primary heating fuel.

The scheme will run for three years with a focus on urban, rural and health-related heating solutions.

Jeremy Nesbitt, managing director of Affordable Warmth Solutions said: ‘This is an exciting step forward in the fight against the challenges faced by families and individuals living in poorly heated and insulated homes.

“I’m extremely proud that Affordable Warmth Solutions has been chosen by National Grid to manage the fund and I would encourage Local Authorities and Housing Associations to register their interest with us as soon as possible’.

Applicants need to register their interest in the scheme by 31 July 2017 at whf@ngrid-aws.org.uk.