Waltham Forest is launching an “energy upgrade loan” scheme for homeowners and landlords, reports Josh Mellor, Local Democracy Reporter

A pilot scheme, approved by cabinet this week, will make a total of £250,000 available for owners of homes with low energy efficiency.
Owner occupiers and landlords will be able to take out zero-interest loans for energy efficiency improvements such as replacing windows and doors or loft insulation.
Deputy leader and cabinet member for climate and air quality Clyde Loakes said: “Clearly this will test the appetite for this and will help a lot and hopefully will help and enable more households to reduce their carbon footprint and use less energy.”
According to papers approved by cabinet, an online survey of visitors to the council’s eco show home in Walthamstow found 78% of people felt finance would help make a difference to their home’s energy efficiency.
The loans will only be available to owners of homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D or lower.
If the scheme is successful, the council may turn it into a revolving loan scheme where more loans are issued with money that is repaid.
More information is available about the council’s climate change action plans, and other funding and support, here
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