OWNERS of poorly insulated and energy inefficient homes in Craven could be eligible for a grant to help pay for improvements.

Money will be available to the worst affected 700 homes across North Yorkshire with problems such as poor-quality insulation and inefficient heating systems.

Owners of rural 'off gas-grid' homes are particularly eligible for the North Yorkshire Council scheme which is being funded by £14.5 million from the Government’s Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2).

The money will finance the introduction of a wide range of improvements from insulation and solar panels to air source heat pumps and smart heating controls.

Such measures can save residents money on their energy bills while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The scheme aims to help households reduce energy use and counter the cost-of-living crisis by providing the opportunity to save money on their energy bills.

Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, and member for Mid Craven, said: “The funding will improve the energy performance and heating systems of off gas grid private sector homes, predominantly for rural dwellings.

"Upgrades are tailored to individual homes so that the most appropriate measures are installed.

“It provides an opportunity for hard-pressed householders to get the necessary work done for free and for private landlords to access major discounts.”

Cllr Greg White, the council's executive member for climate change, added: “We face significant challenges in the fight against climate change and meeting the Government’s plan for the UK to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“This much-needed funding stream offers a range of fully-funded energy-saving home improvements to eligible homeowners which will be delivered to March 2025.”

Private rented properties are eligible to apply, although landlords must contribute at least a third of the total cost of the upgrade.

To qualify for the new scheme, residents must have a household income of £31,000 or less, or via other eligibility checks.

Properties must also be technically suitable for the measures available in the scheme and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below.

Greenhouse gas emissions from homes in North Yorkshire make up 19 per cent of the total released, and a concerted drive has been launched to bring in a raft of improvements in the county’s housing stock.

Residents who are interested in applying to the Home Upgrade Grant should go to: www.northyorks.gov.uk/hug2 The council's climate change strategy can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/environment-and-neighbourhoods/climate-change/climate-change-strategy-2023-2030