Government unveils £15bn ‘Warm Homes’ plan to reduce energy bills and make homes warmer
Families across the country will see lower energy bills as a result of the UK Government’s comprehensive plan to upgrade the nation’s homes.
The ‘Warm Homes Plan’ will deliver £15 billion of public investment, roll out upgrades to up to five million homes that could save them hundreds on energy bills and help to lift up to a million families out of fuel poverty by 2030.
Around six million households will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount – a total package of £300.
The government states that the plan is a vital next step in addressing the long-term issue of energy affordability for the country. Home insulation installations fell by more than 90 per cent between 2010 and 2024, and millions of households have paid higher energy bills as a result.
The ’Warm Homes Plan’ targets help at low-income families, alongside a universal offer, to ensure that working families can feel the benefits of products that can cut their bills.
Alongside this, the plan will support consumer choice for all households, so people can choose the technologies that work for them as and when they want. Homeowners will be able to apply for government-backed, low and zero interest loans to install solar panels – unleashing a “rooftop revolution”.
These loans will also be available for batteries and heat pumps, making it easier for every home to access clean energy technologies that can lower bills. Low-income households and those in fuel poverty could receive support that would cover the full cost of having solar panels put on their rooftop, or insulation installed, alongside new rules to ensure landlords invest in upgrades to cut bills for renters and social tenants.
The plan is backed by £15 billion government investment, including allocations for devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure homes right across the country can benefit from these upgrades.
It also includes common-sense measures to ensure that new homes are built cheaper to run, with solar panels as standard, with the Future Homes Standard to be implemented in early 2026.
Low-income households will receive free of charge packages of upgrades, depending on what technologies are most suitable for their homes- backed by £5 billion of public investment
For social housing residents, this could mean upgrades to entire streets at the same time, lowering bills and improving warmth and comfort for whole neighbourhoods
Adam Scorer, Chief Executive at National Energy Action, said: “People struggling in fuel poverty desperately need the Warm Homes Plan. Cheaper energy costs, efficient heating systems and homes that keep the warmth in are all essential for the plan to succeed. There is a lot of work to be done, but today’s publication and commitment to lift a million households out of fuel poverty is a welcome, landmark occasion.” 
Millie Brown, Deputy Director for Homes at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “The greater detail around the Warm Homes Plan announced by the government is welcome and urgently needed. Millions of people are crying out for help to reduce energy bills and make their homes warmer, safer and healthier.
“There is a lot riding on getting this right. The Warm Homes Plan needs to undo decades of underinvestment in our nation’s housing stock which has left us with some of the leakiest and draughtiest homes in Europe.
“Cold homes that lead to serious illness and untimely deaths. Older people are more likely to live in an energy inefficient home and make up the large majority of the 4,000 people in the UK who die from cold homes every year. They can wait no longer for the right support to come.
“The Warm Homes Plan also needs to regain the lost trust from the poorly executed home energy efficiency schemes of the past which have failed to deliver and help those who needed help the most.
“For the Warm Homes Plan to succeed, it will need to take a local-focussed approach and inspire the confidence of residents. To achieve this, the government should deliver the Warm Homes Plan by setting up a national network of Good Home Hubs.
“These one-stop shops for home improvement, delivered in partnership between local authorities, charities and businesses to people from all housing tenures, would offer a range of services including independent information and advice, financial support for those who need it, and signposting to trusted tradespeople.”
