Scheme to retrofit more than 3,000 homes a year in Birmingham

Birmingham City Council has appointed three experienced retrofit contractors to assist in retrofitting over 3,000 homes across the city each year.
The retrofitting initiative aims to significantly reduce fuel bills for thousands of families by making the homes more energy-efficient.
The scheme will enable the installation of new insulation, improved ventilation, more efficient heating systems, and solar panels in homes found in some of the city's most deprived areas.
It’s expected that the majority of the homes that will be retrofitted will be privately owned homes, although it is also an opportunity to improve some of Birmingham’s social homes.
The council and the contractors - City Energy Network Ltd, Next Energy Solutions Ltd, Golden Globe Merchants Ltd - will form a partnership to leverage private funding of up to £45 million each year from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) programme.
The ECO programme is funded by contributions from large energy companies to be invested in improving the energy efficiency of homes.
Cllr Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:
"In addition to reducing fuel costs by an estimated £1.2 million per year for residents, this project will play a significant role in reducing the city's carbon output.
"The improved homes will also contribute to healthier living conditions by creating warmer, drier homes, thereby alleviating the health impacts of dampness and mould.
"All three contractors bring substantial expertise and a proven track record in successfully delivering similar projects throughout the country.
"The next step will be to begin talking with local communities to carry out this work before the end of the year and to maximize benefits for residents this winter."