North Yorkshire Council has secured a multi-million-pound boost from the UK Government to deliver energy improvements to homes in the county.

The government’s Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) has seen £14.5 million awarded to the new unitary council.

Funding is available to 700 homes across North Yorkshire in a bid to help properties worst affected by problems such as poor-quality insulation and inefficient heating systems.

The money covers improvements including insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps and smart heating controls – measures that can lower energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for climate change, Cllr Greg White, said: “This much-needed funding stream offers a range of fully-funded energy-saving home improvements to eligible homeowners which will be delivered to March 2025.”

Executive member for housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said the funding provides an opportunity for “hard-pressed householders” to get the necessary work done for free and for private landlords to access “major discounts”.

Private rented properties are eligible to apply, although landlords must contribute at least a third of the total cost of the upgrade.

To qualify for the new scheme, residents must have a household income of £31,000 or less, or via other eligibility checks.

Properties must also be technically suitable for the measures available in the scheme and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below.

Residents interested in applying for the grant can do so on the council’s website: www.northyorks.gov.uk/hug2