Essential energy efficiency improvements will help Stoke-on-Trent families live safe, warm and comfortable lives

Vital work to improve the energy efficiency of 100 council-owned homes is underway in Stoke-on-Trent.

The city council has appointed Lovell to carry out essential improvements at over 40 properties in Chell, including asbestos removal, plumbing and gas works, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and roof and fascia improvements.

Work is also set to start on more than 40 additional properties in the Norton area of the city – ensuring even more families are living in warm and comfortable homes.

It comes after Stoke-on-Trent City Council was awarded £1.39 million from the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2.2.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning and governance, said: “This funding has allowed us to carry out essential works to dozens of council properties across the city in preparation for the autumn and winter months.

“This is the second wave of SHDF funding we have been awarded; the first round of funding enabled us to make these vital improvements to over 70 properties in Smallthorne – so we know what benefits these energy efficiency measures can bring.

“We are committed to tackling fuel poverty and we will continue our efforts to improve council-owned homes to ensure all of our residents can live safe, warm and comfortable lives.”

The improvement work – which takes up to 10 weeks to complete at each home – takes properties from below an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating C to an EPC rating A, resulting in lower energy consumption and potentially lower energy bills.

Councillor David Mountford, ward councillor for Great Chell and Packmoor, said: “The SHDF investment is a much-needed boost for our communities, especially in places like Chell.

“It's about more than just insulation and windows - it's about dignity, decent living conditions and lower bills for families who need it most.

“While this funding is welcome, we will keep pushing for further investment to bring all our council houses up to standard, tackle fuel poverty and deliver real climate action at local level. "

James Phillips, refurbishment manager at Lovell, added: “Having developed a strong partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council during phase one of works, it’s fantastic to align with the team once again under SHDF Wave 2.2.

“Delivering improvements in occupied properties doesn’t come without its challenges but through clear communication and collaboration between partners we’ve already achieved results that are positively impacting the people that matter most – residents.

“We look forward to working with the council on future projects and continue to strive for safer, warmer homes.”