HUNDREDS of properties in Cumbria are to receive low-carbon heating and other energy efficiency upgrades courtesy of millions in government funding.

The money will be used to help low-income homes and vulnerable residents in the county reduce their carbon footprint and save money on bills.

A total of 600 homes are to benefit from a range of improvements that include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and air source heat pumps. 

The funding, which will come to a minimum of £12.4m, is the result of a bid by Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council, the two unitary authorities that began operating in Cumbria on April 1 of this year.

A spokesman on behalf of both authorities said: "This significant win will enable each of us to continue our ongoing efforts to make homes in the area more energy-efficient and to reduce carbon emissions.

READ MORE: Recognise these? Appeal for information about fly-tipping

"By offering energy-saving measures to eligible residents, we’ll help our residents to make their homes more comfortable and reduce their carbon footprint.

“This funding is a great achievement for the council and reinforces our council plan commitments to provide affordable, high-specification, energy-efficient homes.’’

The money is exclusively available to off-gas-grid homes with energy performance certificate ratings of bands D, E, F or G.

It will help people on low incomes, people – referred by Citizens Advice – suffering from fuel poverty, and others – referred by the NHS – suffering from health conditions that could be made worse by the cold. 

The project will commence this month and run until April 2025.

Eligible residents will be contacted by the relevant council to arrange the upgrades. 

The money has come from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's Home Upgrade Grant.