Hundreds of residents across the East Midlands are enjoying cheaper energy bills thanks to a £9.9 million programme led by the region’s Mayor.
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) – led by Mayor Claire Ward – has improved hundreds of homes through its domestic energy-efficiency and low-carbon retrofit programme.
The scheme – EMCCA’s first fully delivered capital investment programme – aimed to improve energy efficiency, health and comfort in homes across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, while reducing carbon emissions. Measures included external wall insulation, solar panels, and smart thermostats.
Mayor Claire, who this week visited Alfreton and Matlock to meet residents who have benefited from the scheme, said: “This project marks a defining moment for EMCCA. It shows that when we make a promise to invest in our region, we deliver. And I’m proud to say that we didn’t just meet our goals, we overachieved them.”
The landmark scheme, which was made possible by the East Midlands devolution deal, was delivered in partnership with all 17 local authorities in the East Midlands. The project has overachieved on every target, including:
Mayor Claire said: “Every single one of the 17 local authorities in our region played a part in making this happen. Working together, we’ve been able to make homes in our region warmer, healthier, and cheaper to heat – helping families who have faced uncertainty about energy bills for far too long.”
Residents have reported warmer, more comfortable homes, and greater confidence in keeping energy bills under control.
Donna, a resident who received works as part of the programme, said: “We’ve seen a reduction in the gas bill which helps, and the house is also cooler in summer. The team that did the work were lovely lads and made sure we were okay during the works. It looks good too.”
Fuel poverty is estimated to contribute to about 155 excess winter deaths across EMCCA each year, so retrofitting homes can help reduce these risks, improve health, and reduce school and work absences linked to cold, damp homes.
Independent analysis suggests that every £1 invested in housing improvements delivers about £2 in wider public-service savings, including reduced pressures on the NHS and social care.
The EMCCA retrofit programme complemented national schemes such as the Sustainable Warmth Competition and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, enabling councils to support households who previously missed out due to strict eligibility rules.
This initial programme marks the beginning of energy efficiency improvements led by EMCCA in the region. In the East Midlands Growth Plan, launched on Monday 13 October, EMCCA announced an aim to retrofit 12,000 homes with energy efficiency measures over the next 10 years.
Mayor Claire said: “By continuing to invest in our places, our people, and our partnerships, we can make the East Midlands the best place to live, to work, and to learn. EMCCA is serious about investing in this area, and we’re sending a clear message: there is a future in retrofit, and that future is here in the East Midlands.”
There is further support for residents to improve the energy efficiency and lower their bills through the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme. Find out more and register your interest here. Nottingham Energy Partnership is also offering expert energy advice to residents across the East Midlands. Get support on the HEAT Hub website.