The Council has secured £12 million to improve the energy efficiency of 400 council homes. It will provide better insulation, solar panels, and upgrades to reduce heating bills, making homes warmer and greener
Enfield Council has secured significant funding to make hundreds of council homes across the borough more energy-efficient, benefitting both residents and the environment. With more than £5 million from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero Warmer Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3.0, and an additional £7 million from the council’s own budget, the total investment exceeds £12 million. This funding will be used to improve the insulation and energy efficiency of over 400 council homes, helping to reduce residents’ energy bills and create warmer, more comfortable living spaces.
The primary aim of this project is to make homes cheaper to heat, especially during the colder months. By installing better insulation, energy-saving measures, and solar panels, the council is working towards lowering heating costs for residents. The upgrades are expected to help each household save an average of £110 annually on their energy bills, with improvements including roof and wall insulation, as well as solar panel installations. This work will be carried out alongside other scheduled improvements to reduce disruption to residents.
This initiative will directly benefit homes with the lowest energy efficiency ratings, particularly those rated F or G, which are the least energy-efficient properties in the borough. By the end of the project, over 380 homes are expected to achieve a much better energy rating, contributing to overall improvements in residents’ comfort and energy efficiency.
Councillor Ayten Guzel, Cabinet Member for Housing, spoke of the importance of this investment, stating: “We want to make sure all our residents can live in warm, affordable homes. Residents have told us this is important to them, and our approach demonstrates that we are listening and responding to what our tenants tell us. Through our investment programmes, over 94% of our homes now meet the decent homes standards. This is an incredible milestone for Enfield. As we move to ensuring all homes meet the standard this year, this investment will enable us to ensure that our approach also helps to enhance our specifications on windows and insulation, which will cut heating bills and address fuel poverty.”
Councillor Guzel further emphasised that by combining improvements in energy efficiency with general upgrades to housing quality, the council is delivering excellent value for money. The energy efficiency improvements will not only reduce heating bills but also enhance the overall living experience for residents. This comprehensive approach aligns with the council’s wider objectives to tackle fuel poverty and ensure that all council homes are not only decent but also energy-efficient.
The project is part of the ‘Warmer Homes London’ initiative, a collaboration between the Mayor of London, London Councils, and other boroughs aimed at sharing resources, expertise, and strategies to achieve better results and more cost-effective solutions. By working together, these boroughs are able to make a meaningful impact on residents’ lives and contribute to London’s wider environmental goals.
Councillor Sabri Ozaydin, Cabinet Member for Environment and Placemaking, added: “Making our homes more energy-efficient is one of the best ways to cut carbon emissions. This funding is a big step toward our environmental goals and shows how working together with other boroughs can make a real difference. As we improve the energy efficiency of our homes, we are also contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for our borough.”
Enfield’s ongoing efforts to reduce gas usage and create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly borough are reinforced by this £12 million investment. The project also aligns with the council’s broader environmental strategy, which aims to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint while providing residents with affordable, quality housing.
Residents whose homes will be affected by the upgrades will be kept informed throughout the process, with clear communication about when improvements will take place in their properties. The council is committed to ensuring minimal disruption while the work is carried out, so that residents can enjoy the benefits of energy-efficient homes with as little inconvenience as possible.
This initiative marks a major milestone in Enfield’s commitment to providing high-quality, energy-efficient housing to its residents. The £12 million investment, in collaboration with national and local initiatives, sets a positive example of how local authorities can take proactive steps to tackle fuel poverty, enhance residents’ quality of life, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
As Enfield continues to modernise and improve its housing stock, this project is just one of many steps the council is taking to ensure that all residents have access to homes that are not only safe and affordable but also warm, comfortable, and eco-friendly. The council’s investment in these improvements is a testament to its ongoing commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future for the borough. With the work set to take place over the coming months, Enfield Council remains focused on its long-term goals of enhancing housing quality, tackling fuel poverty, and helping to create a more sustainable, carbon-neutral borough for future generations.
