Extra support is on offer for families in Dartford and Kent who might be struggling with energy bills.

Funding is to be made available for lower income homeowners to install green energy saving measures in their home.

The Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme is designed to reduce residents’ heating bills, increase energy efficiency, and cut carbon emissions.

It is being led by Dartford council together with six district and borough councils across Kent.

Under the scheme, homeowners with a combined household income below £30,000 and an energy performance certificate rating of E, F or G may be eligible for a grant of up to £10,000 to adopt energy efficiency measures.

These include solid wall insulation and renewable heating solutions.

The scheme will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis across Dartford and participating local authorities at no cost to the homeowner.

Mark Randall, managing director at Aran Insulation, said: “We are already seeing an influx of enquiries for this great scheme, and are looking forward to working alongside Dartford council and other Kent local authorities.

"This scheme will genuinely help tackle fuel poverty and climate change, helping homeowners across the county stay warm and healthy whilst lowering energy bills for years to come.”

The move comes after the government scrapped its flagship £1.5bn green homes grant scheme for homeowners.

From tomorrow homeowners will no longer be able to apply for vouchers to carry out upgrades aimed at making their homes more efficient via the original Green Homes Grant, which was announced in July last year.

Instead, an additional £300m has been set aside to the "local authority delivery" part of the scheme, to be targeted at lower income households.

The deadline for works to be completed is June 30.

Qualifying homeowners are encouraged to contact the scheme delivery partner, Aran Insulation, as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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