The Warm Homes: Local Grant is a government-funded scheme in England that
helps lower-income households make their homes warmer and cheaper to run.
Delivered through local councils, it pays for energy-saving improvements and
cleaner heating so that eligible homes are easier to heat and cost less over
time. If you own your home or rent privately and your property is expensive to
keep warm, it is worth checking whether you could benefit.
What the grant can pay for
The grant funds improvements that make a real difference to how a home holds and uses heat. Exactly what is offered depends on your property and your local council’s scheme, but it typically includes:
- Insulation – loft, wall and other measures that keep heat in and reduce waste.
- Low-carbon heating – measures such as a heat pump to replace older, less efficient heating.
- Related upgrades – supporting improvements identified when your home is assessed.
Who is eligible
The scheme is aimed at low-income households in homes that are not energy efficient. As a general guide, you may qualify if:
- Your home has a low energy rating – usually an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G.
- Your household is on a lower income – broadly, a total household income under a set threshold, or you receive a means-tested benefit.
- You own or privately rent the property – both owner-occupiers and private tenants can be covered, with the landlord’s agreement for rented homes.
Councils apply the detailed rules and some set additional conditions, so
eligibility and the exact thresholds can vary by area and change over time.
Check the current criteria for your area on GOV.UK or with your local council
before applying.
How to apply and what to watch for
The grant is delivered locally, so you apply through your council rather than centrally, and not every council runs the scheme at the same time. A genuine grant is free to apply for – never pay a company an upfront fee to ‘secure’ funding, and be wary of unsolicited calls or texts offering to sign you up. Start with the official route on GOV.UK or your council’s website.
For more ways to cut your energy costs, see our guidance on renewable energy grants, our wider grants and support section, and practical help in energy and water.