Update: the Home Upgrade Grant has been replaced by the Warm Homes: Local Grant in England. It is for privately owned (owner-occupied or privately rented) homes with an EPC rating of D to G, usually with a household income of £36,000 or less, with some exceptions based on postcode or benefits. Your council arranges a survey and pays for the agreed work, which can include wall, loft and underfloor insulation, air source heat pumps, smart controls and solar. Landlords may need to contribute to some improvements. Apply at gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant. The older Home Upgrade Grant details below are kept for reference.
The Warm Homes: Local Grant replaces the Home Upgrade Grant in England. Local councils use government funding to improve privately owned and privately rented homes that are expensive to heat, paying for the agreed work directly rather than refunding you afterwards.
Because it is run by councils, availability and waiting times vary by area.
Social housing is not covered. Rules can change, so confirm the current criteria on gov.uk before applying.
Your council arranges a survey and agrees a package of works with you. Measures can include:
Privately rented homes can qualify, with the landlord involved. Landlords may need to contribute towards some improvements.
The old Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) was limited to off-gas-grid homes. Check current eligibility on gov.uk, as the new scheme's rules differ.