HUG2 Cumbria

Important update

From 1st April 2023 we are no longer able to accept new HUG1 applications (those from off-gas properties).  The HUG2 scheme will be starting soon and led by Westmorland and Furness Council.  Further updates will be published here when available.

Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness Councils have been awarded £12.4 million of funding to administer the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme, Phase 2 (HUG2). The HUG2 scheme funds energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating systems in low-income households. The scheme targets the least energy efficient (EPC band D-G) off-gas grid homes in England, to tackle fuel poverty and progress us towards the UK’s 2050 Net Zero commitment.

This is a government funded scheme, funded by the Department of Energy, Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), to provide energy efficiency upgrades and low-carbon heating for low-income households living in the least energy efficient, off-gas grid homes.

The scheme is expected to last for two years – applications will be open from April 2023 until February 2025 (or until available funds are exhausted) and is available to owner-occupiers and private tenants. HUG2 grants are available to homes which are off-gas grid (do not have mains gas) and have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.

Your Local Authority has selected households which are likely to be suitable for the scheme using IMD statistics and Housing Stock Data.  If you live in one of these homes, look out for our HUG2 postcards inviting you to chat with our friendly, trained Support Teams in the first instance.  Alternatively, if you feel that you may qualify for HUG2, please contact one of the following Local Authority Telephone Numbers:

• For Cumberland Council Residents 0330 056 5698.
• For Westmorland & Furness Residents 01768 212 348.

Other referral routes for vulnerable residents are available via your local NHS worker (GP/Nurse/OT etc.) or via the Citizens Advice Bureau for those residents who are currently receiving Fuel Poverty Assistance.

HUG2 Cumbria Additional Information:

• The aim is to reduce fuel poverty and to phase out off-gas grid fossil fuels. By phasing out fossil fuels we aim to accelerate towards the UK’s Net Zero Targets and reduce our dependency of expensive imported fuel.
• A selection of homes are pre-qualified as eligible if they are off-gas and EPC D or below.  These homes are located in IMD (indices of multiple deprivation) 1, 2 or 3 areas. Please contact your local Council Support Team to understand if your home is within IMD 1-3. These homes do not require income verification checks.
• Homes located in IMD areas between 4 and 10 are not pre-qualified and need income verification checks to prove that your earnings are £31,000 or below (i.e., proof of income).
• Private tenants will need consent from their landlord and landlords will also have separate eligibility checks.
• Landlords will need to demonstrate that they own 4 or fewer rental properties, agree to pay one third of the cost of measures installed and will agree to pay £500 (refundable) deposit prior to commencing on the scheme.
• As Cumbria is a large geographical area, we will deliver the scheme in Delivery Batches focused on Local Authority areas such as the Allerdale area and the Eden area.  This way we will target smaller areas for speed of installations and reduce Contractor travelling times.
• Within each Deliver Batch, we will endeavor to carry out installations on the worst performing homes first.
• The measures available will have a “fabric first” approach, focusing on reducing energy demand (e.g., wall/loft/floor insulation) and the transition towards low-carbon heating (in line with the Net Zero 2050 target).
• Installation, replacement or repair of fossil fuel-based systems will not be offered under the scheme.
• A qualified retrofit coordinator will assess eligible homes individually to determine the best measures to be installed.

Energy Efficiency Cost Cap

Clean Heat Cost Cap