Portsmouth households could get free home upgrades under warm homes plan

Labour has unrolled a national programme aimed at upgrading homes, improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty.

The plan will fund insulation, solar panels, batteries and heat pumps, with upgrades planned for up to five million homes across the country by 2030.

Ministers say the measures could help lift as many as one million families out of fuel poverty, while cutting long-term household energy costs.

The number of insulation retrofittings fell sharply between 2010 and 2024, contributing to higher costs for many households. While demand for technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps has increased, upfront costs have remained a barrier for many families.

Low-income families and those in fuel poverty could receive fully funded upgrades, while homeowners will be able to apply for government-backed low or zero interest loans to install solar panels, batteries or heat pumps.

A £7,500 grant for heat pumps will be available, alongside a new offer for air-to-air heat pumps that can also provide cooling in summer.

New protections for renters form another part of the plan. The Government says landlords will be required to improve the energy efficiency of rented homes over time, with the aim of reducing cold, damp and mould.

Ministers estimate these measures could lift around half a million renting households out of fuel poverty by the end of the decade.

Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said: “No one in Portsmouth should be without the security of a warm, affordable and safe home.

“Support will be targeted at Portsmouth’s low income families, alongside a universal offer to ensure every type of household in the country, regardless of income, will have the chance to benefit from clean power upgrades to cut their energy bills.”

Adam Scorer, chief executive of National Energy Action, said: “Cheaper energy costs, efficient heating systems and homes that keep the warmth in, are all essential for the plan to succeed.”