Downham Market Town Council informed of cost of living and home energy schemes for residents

Keeping homes energy efficient and warm during the ongoing cost of living crisis remains crucial to town councillors.

At Downham Town Council’s full meeting last week, councillors were presented with an update as to how the borough is keeping costs low for residents.

At Tuesday’s meeting, West Norfolk Council’s housing standards officer Jacob Medlock presented councillors with information about schemes designed to keep homes energy efficient.

Mr Medlock gave examples of how thermal image technology has helped show that a Downham property has not been keeping the heat in.

Since then, the property’s EPC rating has been improved through the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) to keep warmer.

He explained programmes that are already being rolled out across the borough, including one named Eco 4, a strategy aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes.

Upcoming schemes include a Warm Homes Local Grant which means full house retrofits, available to households earning less than £36,000 a year.

The council is also looking to launch a Social Housing Fund in April, potentially working with Freebridge Housing Association.

Mr Medlock highlighted successful schemes being run by West Norfolk Council, including the weekly Food for Thought programme in Downham.

Downham councillor Frank Daymond questioned how homeowners can gain an EPC rating.

He said: “Do you provide a service which tells people if they need to apply for an EPC rating?”

In response, Mr Medlock said: “We don’t provide that directly, there is a Government registered service which can provide an energy check.”

More information on the cost of living crisis can be found on West Norfolk Council’s website.