West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called on local people to support a Government voucher scheme which will help to make homes warmer and improve energy efficiency.

Home-owners and landlords will be able to access the Green Homes Grant scheme which will cover green home improvements including insulation of walls, floors and roofs, the installation of double or triple glazing when replacing single glazing, and low-carbon heating. These measures could help families save up to £600 a year on their energy bills.

The scheme will allow consumers to obtain funding for up to two-thirds of the cost of the energy saving measures identified - up to £5000 – in the form of new vouchers. Lower income households could be entitled to have as much as £10,000 of the costs covered.

Harriett has backed the scheme and will be discussing the roll-out with local authorities and local environmental groups to help publicise the initiative.

Harriett commented: “The new voucher scheme, launched by the Government this month, is an important part of our plan to make homes more energy efficient as we work towards our net zero emission carbon target for 2050.

“There are very many homes with inefficient heating systems, old windows and lofty roof spaces and these grants could make a huge difference to local people’s energy bills.

“Having done a little research myself, it is clear that there are not many local suppliers and this is an area that has potential for huge growth.

“I’ve been working with the leaders of both Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils to work out what we can do to promote this initiative and I hope that we’ll be able to meet supply with demand.”