Residents in Hertsmere who find it hard to heat their homes and worry about paying energy bills might be able to get financial help this winter.

Hertsmere Borough Council has been granted £273,000 which is open to homeowners, private tenants and people in social rented accommodation, where the home has a low energy rating and the householders have a low annual income.

Under the scheme, eligible homeowners can get up to £10,000 and private landlords up to £5,000 towards the cost of energy efficiency improvements. Among the measures which could be made are external wall, underfloor, loft and cavity wall insulation or energy efficient heating.

The programme is being delivered through the Government's Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme, which aims to help the country achieve its net-zero carbon goal, while also helping households save money, stay warm, and reduce their carbon footprint.

Environment Hertsmere councillor Seamus Quilty has urged families to take up the offer if they are eligible.

He said: "Fuel poverty is a real concern for many families and with fuel price rises around the corner, we know that this will make heating homes increasingly difficult for some families in Hertsmere.

"Through the first round of funding of the Green Homes scheme, over 70 families and individuals are already on the way to upgrading their homes for free - and you could be one of them.

"A properly-insulated home can save a household up to £250 per year and ensure homes are warm throughout the winter.

"I would encourage lower income families or those receiving certain benefits and who live in a poorly insulated home to apply. It could be the beginning of making your home, warmer, healthier and help with future costs."

To register your interest visit: https://surveys.est.org.uk/s/GreenHomesGrantSchemeLAD/ or call the Energy Hub on 0808 196 8255.