Government funding has been secured by Uttlesford District Council to make council homes more energy efficient.

The council successfully bid for £3.8 million from the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero's Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to upgrade the most energy inefficient homes.

The project aims to retrofit additional insulation, solar panels, and air source heat pumps in 276 of the council’s homes.

Estimates suggest the changes will bring a massive reduction in carbon emissions by 89 per cent, saving tenants approximately £275 annually on their energy bills.

Cllr Arthur Coote, portfolio holder for housing, said: "We are delighted and grateful to receive this funding which will directly benefit many tenants.

"We are committed to tackling the climate emergency and moving towards a more sustainable future.

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"This ambitious project to bring hundreds of homes up to modern energy standards is a key part of that work.

“The improvements will not only cut carbon emissions but will also help tenants to heat their homes for less and save money on their energy bills.”

The retrofitting programme is set to run until March 2026, and the council will be engaging with the tenants of the eligible properties over the coming months.