People living in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas are to be given a helping hand to reduce their energy consumption.

A new Climate Action grant fund is available to homeowners and private tenants living in the conurbation to help fund loft and cavity wall insulation in properties with low energy ratings, where not already installed (terms and conditions apply).

Properties will be assessed for suitability and must have an energy performance rating of E, F or G to qualify. The Energy Performance Assessment will be included in the grant for those homeowners that have work carried out.

Residents with an annual household income of up to £42,900 are likely to receive a 100 per cent grant to fund newly installed insulation, if their home is suitable. 40 per cent grants are also available for households with income up to £50,000; 20 per cent for those with income up to £60,000; and 10 per cent for those with household incomes over £60,000 (limits apply).

The scheme, funded by BCP Council, is being managed and operated by the Council’s delivery partner Ridgewater Energy based in Dorset, who already deliver Government-funded grants and operate the LEAP scheme which offers energy improvement measures to those on the lowest incomes or on certain benefits.

Cllr Mike Greene, cabinet member for Sustainability and Transport, said: “We know that 40 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions come from our homes. That is why I’m delighted to announce this new initiative, designed to help so many of our residents. “Nationally, energy prices continue to soar, so this grant scheme is very timely.

“I urge homeowners who think they may not have insulation to get in touch with our partners, Ridgewater Energy, to see if they are eligible for support. As we move towards winter there is no better time to take advantage of this scheme we are offering.

“I believe that BCP Council is the only local authority currently offering this scheme, which will hopefully have a positive impact on local residents facing rising energy bills this winter. Help is primarily offered to those homes and residents that need it most; however we are not ignoring those with a higher income and discounts will be offered at scale.”