Surrey councils secure extra £3m to help local householders boost energy efficiency

Ten local authorities in Surrey, including Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, secured an additional £3 million from central government to help local householders improve their home’s energy efficiency, cut heating bills and help the environment.

Surrey County Council is providing an additional £680,000 for the scheme which will help homeowners on a first-come, first-served basis.

The funding available is an addition to the £6.2 million made available last year to power the ‘Green Jump Surrey’ scheme which has directly helped around 600 Surrey householders make the transition to better home energy efficiency.

Applications for the new £3 million scheme opened on April 1 and homeowners are advised to get in touch directly with Action Surrey, an impartial energy advice centre, to find out if they are eligible as soon as possible.

Action Surrey helps residents save money on their energy bills and keep warm in their homes and has a network of trusted installers, all adhering to safety protocols to deliver the installations.

Ten local authority areas are participating in the Green Jump Surrey project: Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley and Woking respectively.

Eligible owner-occupied households can use the funding to install energy efficiency improvements including loft, solid wall, cavity wall, park home and underfloor insulation to keep their homes warm.

Air source heat pumps, solar hot water systems and solar photovoltaics can also be funded in addition to insulation works to further help save on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

“Following the successful sign up of so many eligible households from right across Surrey for the initial tranche of funding, we are delighted that the Green Jump Surrey partnership has been awarded additional funding to support 300 more residents to make their home warmer, greener and cheaper to run,” Green Jump Surrey project manager Sam Pepper said.

“The funding will not only make a difference to people’s home comfort, but also helps tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions. I would encourage everyone to contact Action Surrey to check if they are eligible for funding and to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity.”

The first phase of the Green Jump Surrey initiative has been a resounding success, with around 600 eligible householders right across Surrey looking forward to enjoying the benefits of a transformational investment in their home.

Local residents Ryan and Janice Smyth, who have three children, are looking forward to upgrading their home with new loft insulation after signing up to the scheme.

“We’ve struggled to heat our house for years,” Janice said. “We often have to check if the heating is actually on sometimes, and when it is turned off, you really notice quite quickly. Working from home also means we’re using it more and we were really worried about our energy bills.

“We know our loft insulation just isn’t up to standard so we’re delighted to have signed up to the scheme and can’t wait for it be installed in the next few weeks. We’re also delighted that it will be done safely and while adhering to all government guidelines. Well done Green Jump Surrey!”

To find out if you are eligible, visit https://www.actionsurrey.org/improve/green-jump-surrey or phone 0800 783 2503.