Torridge homes to get £1.5m to help with energy efficiency

A £1.5million grant has been announced to improve the energy efficiency and environmental impact of more than 100 housing association homes in Torridge.

The funding has been provided to Westward Housing Group through a partnership with Torridge District Council as part of the Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership Scheme, formerly known as ‘Levelling Up’ funding.

The council was awarded £20.7m under the previous government for a variety of projects across the district aimed at benefitting residents.

Westward will use the £1.5m for decarbonisation and energy performance improvements on 113 homes in Torridge. This funding will make all the difference for these homes which have E or F ratings that can now be upgraded to a C or above.

Measures may include insulation, higher specification windows and doors, heating systems and other changes to make homes warmer and more affordable to heat.

The group says it is working to ensure all customers’ homes achieve an EPC rating of C by 2030.

Above: Westward Housing Group will aim to make 113 housing association homes in Torridge more energy efficient and cheaper to heat. Credit: Westward Housing Group

Various projects across Torridge will also benefit from the £20.7m overall grant pot, to include manufacturing and engineering facilities, Bideford Panier Market investment and a range of water quality improvement measures.

The grants were made possible by the Torridge Place Board, of which Westward’s chief executive, Stephen Lodge, is a member along with 19 others from local businesses and services.

They work to improve the long-term economic opportunities for the region and deliver environmental and health benefits to people living in the district.

Mr Lodge said: “I am thrilled this funding gives us the opportunity to help make life a bit more affordable for these customers. At Westward, we are delighted for the 113 households who will experience warmer homes that are cheaper to heat and more enjoyable to live in as a result of this partnership working.

“It is my ambition that the money we save through this grant funding will free up further funds for Westward to invest in homes in Torridge and the region.”

The board will work with Westward to agree how the funds are invested in home improvements and the money must be spent by March 31, 2027.

The housing association says it is working to identify further funding streams for energy improvements as part of a raft of measures to improve the thermal comfort and energy bills of our customers’ homes, which also helps us to meet our environmental targets for 2030.