Save on energy bills with the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) through Angus Council assistance
Free insulation and heating upgrades – Fully funded through the government-backed ECO scheme
Lower your energy bills – Reduce heat loss and cut monthly costs for good
Quick and easy eligibility check – No commitment, no hassle
TrustMark-accredited installers – Work meets high safety and quality standards
Support for households with a total income of less than £31,000 per year
Support for households where someone has a long term health condition that is affected by living in a cold home (eg asthma, arthritis, diabetes, circulation problems, cardiovascular problems, limited mobility etc)
Check Your Eligibility
Many residents in Angus face high energy bills, often due to older homes with poor insulation and outdated heating systems. The Angus Council supports solutions through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which helps improve home energy efficiency. By focusing on upgrades like insulation and boiler replacements, residents can reduce energy costs.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is crucial for homeowners who need to manage their energy expenses effectively. It provides practical support to enhance home warmth and comfort, leading to long-term savings.
This page supports our content on the Energy Company Obligation Grant by providing additional insights and details. For more information about Angus, you can follow this link.
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Discover how Energy Saving Grants boost local energy efficiency
Curious about how you can tackle rising energy costs? Energy Saving Grants specialises in helping locals access government funding for energy efficiency projects. We guide you through eligibility assessment, grant applications, and the installation process, making it easier to enhance your property’s efficiency with insulation, heating systems, or renewable energy. Explore how these upgrades can lead to reduced energy bills and more comfortable living by reading on.
Understanding the ECO scheme and its benefits
The ECO scheme aims to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions by improving home energy efficiency across the UK. It provides support for upgrades that lead to lower energy consumption and costs.
- Purpose: The main goal of ECO is to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions through energy-efficient home improvements.
- How It Works: The scheme offers funding to eligible households for energy-saving upgrades, such as insulation and heating improvements, facilitated through local councils and energy providers. The Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) allows councils to set their own criteria to help more residents.
- Funding: ECO is funded by large energy suppliers who are required to meet government-set targets for carbon reduction.
- Upgrades It Covers: The scheme includes measures like cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, boiler upgrades, and renewable heating systems.
- Target Audience: ECO is designed for homeowners and tenants who struggle with high energy costs, particularly low-income households or those with health vulnerabilities.
Through these points, ECO plays a crucial role in making energy more affordable and sustainable for many households.
Key housing challenges in Angus
Angus Council’s housing landscape presents unique challenges and opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. From varied building types to diverse heating needs, understanding these factors is crucial.
- Type and Age: Many homes are older, stone-built properties, with a concentration of Victorian terraces in areas like Arbroath and Forfar.
- Heating Fuels: A significant number of households use off-grid fuel sources, such as oil, LPG, and solid fuels, especially in rural parts.
- Urban vs Rural Gaps: Urban areas generally benefit from better infrastructure, while rural regions often face higher energy costs and limited access to services.
- Poor EPC Trends: About 40% of homes fall into EPC Bands D–G, indicating a need for substantial energy efficiency upgrades.
- Off-Grid Issues: Off-gas properties in villages and glens lack access to mains gas, complicating efforts to improve heating efficiency.
Addressing these housing issues through targeted initiatives will enhance living conditions and promote sustainability across Angus.
Local energy needs reveal upgrade priorities
Energy statistics in the Angus Council area shed light on significant needs for improvement in energy efficiency. The data highlights challenges such as low EPC ratings and reliance on outdated heating systems prevalent across the region.
- About 40% of homes in Angus are rated in EPC Bands D–G, indicating a need for substantial upgrades.
- Nearly 23% of households experience fuel poverty, with rates higher in remote areas.
- Many properties, especially older stone-built homes, suffer from issues like solid walls and limited insulation.
- A large number of homes use off-grid heating, relying on oil, LPG, or solid fuels.
- Common housing problems include poor insulation and inefficient boilers, particularly in older terraces.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for action to improve energy efficiency in Angus. Schemes like ECO can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and improving living conditions.
Understanding EPC ratings and their importance
Understanding EPC ratings helps you grasp a property’s energy efficiency and potential areas for improvement. These ratings, ranging from A to G, determine energy use and costs, guiding decisions for upgrades.
- A: Homes with an A rating boast very low energy use and minimal running costs. They represent the pinnacle of energy efficiency.
- B & C: These ratings indicate above-average energy efficiency. Homes within this range are well-insulated and relatively inexpensive to heat.
- D: Most UK homes fall into this category, which reflects average energy efficiency. These homes can benefit from various energy-saving improvements.
- E, F & G: Properties in these bands have high energy usage and costs. They are often challenging and expensive to heat, making them prime candidates for upgrades.
EPC ratings are crucial for targeting energy efficiency improvements, which is especially important as we address fuel poverty in our upcoming discussion.
Addressing fuel poverty and health through energy support
Fuel poverty occurs when households struggle to afford both adequate heating and other essentials, impacting many families in areas like Arbroath, Montrose, and rural parts of Angus. Residents may face difficult choices, such as whether to heat their homes or buy food, especially during colder months. This situation stems from high energy costs, low incomes, and energy-inefficient homes.
Experiencing fuel poverty can lead to serious health risks, such as respiratory problems and increased stress, as cold and damp conditions take their toll. Towns like Brechin, Forfar, and Kirriemuir, with older housing stock, are particularly affected. These conditions can worsen existing health problems and lead to higher healthcare costs.
Support through programmes like the ECO scheme can provide essential help for those living in areas across Angus. The scheme focuses on improving energy efficiency through upgrades like insulation and modern heating systems. This support is vital for reducing the health risks associated with fuel poverty and improving the quality of life for residents in places like Carnoustie and the rural glens.
Eligibility for energy efficiency support
Understanding eligibility for energy efficiency support can help improve living conditions and reduce energy costs for those in need. Various routes are available to determine if you qualify for assistance through schemes like ECO.
- Means-tested benefits: Households receiving certain benefits automatically qualify.
- Low income (via LA Flex): Local Authority Flexible Eligibility allows councils to set criteria for low-income households.
- EPC D-G: Homes with an EPC rating between D and G are prioritised.
- Health issues: Households with members suffering from health conditions that worsen in cold environments may qualify.
- Rural homes: Properties in remote, hard-to-heat areas are often eligible.
- Tenants: Renters in energy-inefficient homes can seek support through their landlords.
By meeting one or more of these criteria, you may gain access to valuable upgrades and improvements. Such measures are crucial for enhancing comfort and affordability across homes in need.
Check Your Eligibility Using Our Grant Checker
Please ensure that all information provided below is 100% accurate. Any errors in your personal information could delay or prevent you qualifying for a government funded grant
Please note that you do not necessarily need to be in receipt of tax credits or benefits as we still may be able to obtain funding for you via your Council or through other funding schemes.
Upgrade your home for better comfort and savings
Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency can greatly enhance comfort and reduce costs. A range of improvements can make your property warmer and cheaper to run.
- Loft insulation: Keeps heat in, reducing energy bills.
- Wall insulation: Prevents heat loss, ensuring a cosy home.
- Roof insulation: Enhances overall warmth and lessens heating needs.
- Central heating systems: Provides efficient, even heating throughout your home.
- Electric heaters: Modern options offer effective warmth without high energy use.
- Renewables: Solar panels and heat pumps reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Boilers: Upgraded models improve heating and cut energy consumption.
- Ventilation: Proper systems prevent damp and improve air quality.
These upgrades not only make your home more comfortable but also lower energy costs and support environmental sustainability. Implementing these improvements will bring long-term benefits to both your living environment and your wallet.
Steps to enhance your home's energy efficiency
Starting your journey towards a more energy-efficient home is straightforward and beneficial. Follow these simple steps to tap into valuable support and make your home more comfortable.
- Eligibility checker: Use online tools to see if you qualify for energy efficiency schemes.
- Speak to advisor: Contact an expert to discuss your options and get personalised advice.
- Book free survey: Arrange an assessment to identify the best improvements for your home.
- Install: Professionals carry out upgrades to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
- Receive documents: Obtain the paperwork confirming the work done and the benefits gained.
Completing these steps will equip your home with the necessary upgrades and set you on a path to lower energy bills and increased comfort. Take action today to enjoy a more efficient living space.
Understanding MEES and your responsibilities
After upgrading your home, landlords need to be aware of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) that affect rental properties. Understanding these regulations ensures compliance and benefits both property owners and tenants.
- Band E minimum: Under MEES, rental properties must have an EPC rating of at least Band E to be legally rented out.
- ECO support: The ECO scheme provides landlords with resources to make necessary upgrades, making it easier to meet these standards.
- Exemptions: Some properties qualify for exemptions if improvements are not cost-effective or possible due to structural issues.
Complying with MEES rules not only fulfills legal requirements but also enhances property value and tenant satisfaction. By leveraging resources like ECO, landlords can improve their properties and contribute to more sustainable housing.
Areas covered by Angus Council
Angus Council provides full support and services to a diverse range of locations within its jurisdiction, covering both bustling towns and serene rural areas. Residents benefit from comprehensive coverage, ensuring access to essential amenities and programmes.
- Arbroath: A vibrant town with a rich history located on the eastern coast.
- Montrose: Known for its scenic views and as a vital port town.
- Brechin: Offers a blend of historical sites and community activities.
- Forfar: The administrative centre of Angus, rich in heritage and culture.
- Kirriemuir: Famous for its connections to J.M. Barrie and charming character.
- Carnoustie: Renowned for its world-class golf courses and coastal beauty.
- Rural glens and coastal villages: Provide tranquil living environments with unique landscapes and community spirit.
By ensuring all areas are included, Angus Council supports the varied needs of its entire population, fostering both community development and individual well-being across the region.
Understanding programme availability and eligibility
Angus Council’s energy efficiency programmes often have limited local allocation, meaning resources are distributed based on availability and need within the area. Funding and support operate on a first-come-first-served basis, encouraging residents to apply early to secure assistance for energy upgrades.
To help you get started, a no-obligation eligibility check is available. This straightforward process determines if you qualify for support, ensuring you have the opportunity to improve your property’s energy efficiency without any initial commitment.
Key eligibility and compliance information
When it comes to energy efficiency upgrades, there are some restrictions on eligibility. These programmes are not available to social housing tenants or residents in Northern Ireland. If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can explore options through the NI Housing Executive.
All improvements must comply with PAS 2035 standards, ensuring high-quality work and effective energy savings. TrustMark-accredited installers are used to guarantee professionalism and reliability during installations. Your data is handled securely throughout the process to protect your personal information.
Eligibility for these programmes is confirmed during a home survey, providing a thorough assessment of your property. This ensures that all qualifying homes receive the necessary upgrades for improved energy efficiency.
Partner with energy saving grants for your efficiency needs
At Energy Saving Grants, we specialise in helping homeowners, landlords, tenants, and small to medium-sized businesses access government funding for energy efficiency upgrades. With our years of experience and dedication, we guide you through the grant process, from checking eligibility to coordinating installations. Our services help reduce energy bills and improve comfort, making sustainable living accessible.
We offer a free, no-obligation eligibility check to get you started. Our team assesses your situation, ensuring you have the best chance of securing grants for insulation, heating systems, and more. By working with TrustMark-accredited installers, we ensure high-quality installations that meet PAS 2035 standards, protecting your investment.
Take the first step towards energy savings with our Grant Checker form today. Simplify the application process and discover the benefits of improved energy efficiency for your property. We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you make the most of available resources.
Local insights on accessing ECO grants
As you navigate the process of securing energy efficiency grants, understanding local specifics becomes invaluable. In the following sections, we’ll explore how ECO grants are implemented across the various communities within Angus Council, highlighting who stands to benefit most. You’ll also learn how local support systems simplify access to these essential resources, making it easier for residents to achieve greater energy efficiency.
Introduction to Angus Council
Angus Council serves a diverse community from their headquarters at Angus House in the Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar. Established in 1996, they support approximately 116,000 residents throughout the region, focusing on improving the quality of life for people in towns and rural areas alike.
With a strong independent-led administration, Angus Council addresses a wide range of needs, including housing and energy advice, planning, social care, and education. They are committed to sustainability and climate initiatives, providing essential services that enhance community well-being and promote long-term environmental health.
Accessing energy grants in Angus Council areas
Angus Council is dedicated to helping residents improve their homes’ energy efficiency through ECO and LA Flex energy grants. By working closely with local authorities and verified installers, they ensure that residents in various towns and villages can access the support they need.
Arbroath: With its mix of historic and modern homes, residents benefit from grants for insulation and heating upgrades.
- Montrose: Coastal properties here often receive support to combat high energy costs through efficient installations.
- Brechin: Known for its older housing stock, the local initiative targets homes for energy-saving measures.
- Forfar: As the administrative centre, Forfar residents enjoy streamlined access to funding and resources, improving overall energy efficiency.
- Kirriemuir: Residents in this charming town can take advantage of grants to upgrade outdated systems.
- Carnoustie: With a focus on enhancing coastal properties, grants help residents improve thermal efficiency.
- Rural glens and coastal villages: In these remote areas, flexible eligibility enables homeowners to receive critical support for hard-to-reach properties.
Energy Saving Grants collaborates with Angus Council to ensure that these communities can easily navigate the process and maximise the benefits of available funding. By focusing on local needs and challenges, they make energy efficiency accessible to all residents, promoting sustainability across the region.
Understanding LA Flex and its local benefits
LA Flex, short for Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, is a provision within the ECO scheme that allows councils to extend energy grants to households not qualifying through traditional benefits. This flexibility lets households qualify based on factors like income, age, or health conditions, reaching those in need of energy efficiency improvements.
Angus Council establishes the criteria for LA Flex, ensuring the scheme addresses the unique needs of its communities. By tailoring these eligibility rules, Angus Council helps more residents access vital energy-saving measures, increasing the scheme’s impact across the region.
Energy grant activities in Angus towns
Energy grant activity in Angus varies across different towns, reflecting the unique needs of each area. In Arbroath, where many Victorian terraces exist, residents frequently apply for wall insulation and boiler upgrades to combat heat loss. In contrast, Montrose, with its coastal properties, sees a high demand for loft insulation and modern electric heaters to address the challenges of bracing sea winds.
In rural areas and villages, such as those in the scenic glens, households often benefit from renewable energy installations like heat pumps, a popular choice for off-grid properties. In Forfar and Brechin, grants are commonly used for cavity wall insulation and central heating systems, reflecting the prevalence of mid-20th-century homes in these towns. Across these regions, uptake demonstrates a keen interest in enhancing energy efficiency and adapting to specific local housing conditions.
Staying informed about ECO funding changes
ECO funding is distributed in rounds, and each round can bring changes to the eligibility criteria. As the scheme evolves, updates may reflect shifts in government priorities or local needs. This means that even if you don’t qualify for current funding, future rounds might offer opportunities that align with your circumstances.
It’s important for residents to stay informed about updates to local policies and LA Flex guidelines set by Angus Council. Regularly checking back for changes ensures you remain prepared, giving you a better chance to benefit from new funding opportunities when they arise. Keeping abreast of these updates is crucial for making the most of available energy-saving resources.
Achieving energy efficiency in Angus homes
Angus Council’s commitment to local delivery ensures that grant access is tailored to the unique needs of each community, whether by the coast or in the countryside. With council support, every resident has the opportunity to make their home warmer and more energy-efficient. This local approach strengthens communities by focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities present in different areas across Angus.
To take advantage of these energy-saving opportunities, contact Energy Saving Grants. We’re here to guide you through the process. Call us at 0330 223 0333 or email info@energysavinggrants.org to see how we can help make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Common questions about energy grants in Angus
The ECO scheme aims to improve energy efficiency in regions under the jurisdiction of the county government of Angus. It provides funding for home upgrades, such as insulation and efficient heating systems. Each round of funding may target different needs within the community.
The eligibility criteria for energy grants are set by the regional authority for Angus. These criteria are designed to ensure that assistance is extended to those most in need. Local factors such as property types and prevalent heating issues may influence these criteria.
Yes, you can qualify through LA Flex, which allows the Angus regional administration to set additional eligibility criteria. This flexibility means households with low incomes or certain health conditions can still access grants. It ensures the programme meets a wider variety of local needs.
The ECO scheme in Forfar commonly funds upgrades like loft and wall insulation, as well as boiler replacements. The Angus local government body prioritises energy-saving improvements that yield the most significant benefit. These upgrades can greatly reduce energy bills and improve home comfort.
Yes, the municipal council in Angus recognises the unique challenges faced by rural homes, especially those off the gas grid. Programmes often prioritise renewable systems like heat pumps for these areas. This ensures that even the most remote homes can improve their energy efficiency.
Check Your Eligibility Using Our Grant Checker
Please ensure that all information provided below is 100% accurate. Any errors in your personal information could delay or prevent you qualifying for a government funded grant
Please note that you do not necessarily need to be in receipt of tax credits or benefits as we still may be able to obtain funding for you via your Council or through other funding schemes.