Eligible homeowners in Stevenage are being urged not to miss out on government-funded measures to save money on their fuel bills.

Properties which meet a certain criteria, including their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, could receive home improvements from insulation to air source heat pumps as part of the Homes Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) scheme.

Councillor Simon Speller, portfolio holder for environment and performance at Stevenage Borough Council, said: "In Stevenage, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and retrofitting homes is a vital part of that.

"The upgrades involved in HUG2 will help residents live in warmer homes, reduce their carbon footprint and cut down on their energy bills.

"We all have a role to play in reducing carbon and we are proud to be involved in this scheme."

According to EPC records, 543 homes in Stevenage could be eligible for the HUG2 retrofitting scheme.

Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and managed by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub (GSENZH) and Stevenage Borough Council, it provides free energy-saving improvements to eligible properties.

The measures can include insulation upgrades, installing solar panels, low carbon heating systems such as air source heat pumps and more.

Households with a combined annual income of less than £36,000, including benefits, whose homes are not heated through mains gas, and with hard-to-heat homes could be eligible.

Eligible properties will receive an assessment to evaluate and determine the energy-saving measures that could be undertaken, and improvements made are completely free of charge.

Work is completed on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications closing at the end of September.

Maxine Narburgh, GSENZH regional director, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people to make their homes more energy-efficient, cutting their carbon footprint and their bills at the same time.

"Please check your eligibility and apply before it’s too late."

To find out more about HUG2 and if your home is eligible, visit hugapply.co.uk or call Warmworks on 0808 196 8255.