Council target cold rented homes

Eco

Published: Wednesday 01st December 2021 | 12.21pm

Cannock Chase Council have received funding to help residents in the District, who are living in cold, inefficient rented properties.

The funding, which followed a successful bid to the Midlands Energy Hub, will be used by the Council’s Environmental Health service to help raise awareness and enforce rules which ban landlords renting homes with the worst performing energy ratings and help the Council support landlords with these changes.  It is hoped this will improve standards for private sector tenants and raise awareness.

The rules will see landlords install energy efficient upgrades such as loft insulation, double glazing and cavity wall insulation.

Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, Portfolio Leader for Housing, Heritage and Leisure said “The fuel poverty rate in Cannock Chase is 12.5%.  Badly insulated properties can leave people struggling to heat their homes, especially with the recent rise in fuel prices.   I am delighted that we have received this funding to help residents in the District and address fuel poverty.  Landlords making these improvements could save households on average £180 per year.  At this time of year as the weather gets colder it makes this even more important.”

Councillor Justin Johnson, Portfolio Leader for Environment and Climate Change said “The Council have a vision to become carbon neutral by 2030 after declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019.  Improving the energy efficiency in properties will help towards this, as heating our homes makes up almost a third of all carbon emissions.  I am pleased that we have been successful in getting this funding for our District and hope we can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Tenants who believe their private rented property does not have an Energy Performance Certificate, or which rates their home as F or G, can contact the council for advice.  They should email privatesectorhousing@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or telephone 01543 462621.

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