Hundreds of people in rented properties in Bath and North East Somerset are set to benefit from warmer homes thanks to a new information and enforcement campaign.
The campaign has been launched to help local authorities crack down on errant landlords.
Since April last year, privately rented homes must meet a minimum energy performance rating of EPC Band E, making it illegal to rent out homes below that unless landlords have a limited exemption.
Landlords caught failing to fulfil their obligations can be fined up to £5,000 per property and per breach.
Badly insulated properties often leave those renting their homes struggling to keep warm and with unfairly high energy bills.
The rule change is expected to see energy efficiency upgrades such as loft insulation, double glazing and cavity wall insulation being installed in around 290,000 properties across the country, with an estimated average bill saving of £180 a year for each home.
The £95,340 awarded to Bath & North East Somerset Council is part of an £831,000 package for the South West to tackle the issue.
The money, from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to councils across the country, is worth £4.3 million and is aimed at helping local housing teams reach the most difficult to reach landlords with the worst-performing properties.
The money will support innovative measures in the region including radio ads, roadshows and workshops with landlords to raise awareness of the rules, free property surveys, as well as enhanced and targeted mail reminders and translation services to reach those not currently complying and more inspections.
Business and Energy Minister, Lord Callanan, said: “This funding will help Bath and North East Somerset Council to support landlords with these important energy efficiency changes, but also enforce these standards, helping tackle fuel poverty and ensuring everyone can live in a warm home with fair energy bills.
“Heating our homes and buildings makes up almost a third of all carbon emissions, meaning raising the energy efficiency of our properties is something we all have to contribute to help us build back greener and reach our world leading climate ambitions.”
Cabinet Member for Adults and Council House Building at Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Tom Davies, said: “With domestic properties producing around 40% of carbon emissions in the district, improving the energy performance of homes here is critical.
“The private rented sector makes up 27% of our housing stock and although the majority meet the current legal minimum energy efficiency standard, we are quickly identifying those which do not, to make sure improvements take place.”
