BASILDON residents are being encouraged to apply for up to £10,000 of free funding for energy efficiency home improvements.

Improvements can include insulation, heating and hot water systems, solar panels and lighting.

Upgrading your home can reduce your energy bills, keep you warm and lower your carbon emissions.

Chairman of the Basildon Council's Housing and Estate Renewal Committee, Cllr Andrew Schrader said: "We are working hard to make the homes we build more energy efficient as we work towards carbon net-zero. This available funding is a fantastic way for homeowners and private landlords to fit out their properties and make real savings on energy bills at a time when prices are soaring."

Chairman of the Leisure and Environment Committee Cllr Craig Rimmer added: "Climate change is a big global issue but tackling it can begin in the home with small changes to our habits and energy efficiency improvements. The Green Homes Grant can provide the money to pay for all sorts of alterations that will lead to cheaper energy bills and lower the carbon output of your homes."

The Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme is for properties with a D, E, F or G Energy Performance Certificate rating (EPC).

Homeowners with this EPC rating and a combined household annual income of below £30,000 are urged to apply. Homeowners with a combined income above £30,000 may still be eligible if someone in the household receives Universal Credit, Jobseeker Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Armed Forces Independence Payment or other income, health or disability benefit.

If you rent your property – you can still benefit. Landlords of rented properties can qualify for up to £5,000 towards a home's energy efficiency improvements and must make a minimum 33% contribution to the upgrade.

Householders may still be eligible if the whole household income from employment after housing costs (mortgage or rent and council tax) are deducted are less than £20,000 a year.

The scheme is being delivered by company Warmworks on behalf of the Greater South East Energy Hub (GSEEH), funded by the UK Government and supported by Essex County Council.

Homeowners can find out more and apply for funding on the Essex County Council website via this link